Commissioners approve $15,000 donation to America 250 committee to fund collectible coins

Lawrence County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to donate $15,000 to America 250 Lawrence County to help underwrite an initial run of commemorative state coins intended to raise money for county bicentennial activities.

The donation covers an initial order of 200 state-design coins, the commissioners were told during a presentation by committee members. The commissioners made the donation by motion; the motion was seconded and passed with Commissioners Finley, Copley and Holiday voting "yes."

The committee described the coins as a fundraiser: proceeds from sales would remain with America 250 Lawrence County, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit the presenters said was organized in December 2023. Committee members asked the county to provide startup funds so the group could place the minimum initial order and begin sales online and at local events.

Committee members walked commissioners through options and estimated costs during the meeting. Meeting testimony included a range of cost and price figures as stated by the presenters: that a silver coin’s raw-metal cost was said to be between about $40–$50 per ounce, a retail collector price could be around $100, and an aluminum version previously produced used a state die. The presenters also said some production runs carry minimum-order requirements (examples discussed were 100, 200 and 1,000 units) and that price breaks could be modest (a quoted $2 per-coin break at certain quantities). The committee said the nonprofit already planned to sell other souvenir items (flags, lapel pins, coloring books) and to use donation and sale proceeds for event costs, giveaways and to support other community events such as the Memorial Day Parade Committee if funds remain after the 250th-year activities.

Commissioners and committee members discussed risk and resale options if sales lag: a presenter noted unsold silver coins would retain intrinsic metal value and could be resold, although no formal county guarantee or buyback program was proposed. Commissioners emphasized they wanted to buy coins in modest batches (committee recommended 200 at a time for the state coin) and to see sales before committing to county-branded coin runs.

The motion recorded in the meeting minutes directed $15,000 to America 250 Lawrence County for an initial order of 200 state-design coins. The board did not attach further conditions in the motion as recorded; commissioners also discussed—but did not vote on—separate purchases such as flags, lapel pins and other souvenirs.

The committee said sales would be handled by America 250 Lawrence County and that its treasury is managed by a committee treasurer. The commissioners asked the committee to report back on sales progress and any additional funding requests.

The donation drew no recorded roll-call dissent; the board moved on to other agenda items after the vote.