2017-04-13 Thu

Boys Town is a non-profit child welfare organisation with its headquarters in Nebraska which was founded in 1917 as a refuge for homeless boys by Father Edward Flanagan. Even today, it works towards the welfare of the youth of all genders. Father Flanagan welcomed all boys at his Omaha boarding home irrespective of their race or religion. Father Flanagan bought Overlook Farm just outside Omaha in 1921 to accommodate more boys. The home became known as Boys Town Village where they elected a mayor, a council, and commissioners. In 1936, Nebraska gave Boys Town official village status.

After Father Flanagan’s death in 1948, Boys Town was run by Catholic priests. Today, Boys Town works for boys and girls throughout the United States. A special bill was passed to release three commemorative coins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this famous institution. The Boys Town half-dollar was released on 9th March 2017 in uncirculated and Proof versions. br>
The obverse depicts two brothers walking towards Boys Home with “BOYS TOWN” signage and a landscaped planter. Other inscriptions include 1917-2017, IN GOD WE TRUST, the LIBERTY phrase, mintmark, the phrase “Saving Children”, "CTC” as initials of artist Chris T. Costello and "RG" for sculptor Renata Gordon. br>
The reverse depicts a neighbourhood of Boys Town Homes. four young men and women wearing graduation regalia, inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “Healing Families”, designer Costello’s initials, CTC, “PH,” the initials of sculptor Phebe Hemphill, and “HALF DOLLAR”.