1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar: A Commemorative Coin
The Illinois Centennial Half Dollar is a unprecedented and historical American commemorative coin. It was issued to commemorate the a centesimal anniversary of the Nation of Illinois, as this country entered the Union in 1818. It is likewise known as the “Lincoln-Illinois Half Dollar” as it bears the photograph of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the US, who hailed from that kingdom of Illinois.
Reason for making this coin and approval
The Illinois Centennial Commission had specially petitioned Congress for producing this coin. Observing the recognition of the commemorative coins produced formerly for the Panama Canal and the McKinley Memorial, the Illinois Commission believed that they could make the 100th anniversary of the kingdom even more special through generating a similar coin. There existed a suggestion to commemorate the birthday celebration throughout the country by using the revenue from the sale of coins.
Congress agreed to the request and formally enacted the law on August 1, 1918. 100,000 coins and 58 other coins (for assay) were produced at the Philadelphia Mint in August 1918.
Coin Design: Lincoln and Illinois Identity
obverse
The obverse has a beardless portrait of Abraham Lincoln along his head, which grew to become on the proper. At the top, “CENTENNIAL OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS” is inscribed. “LIBERTY” is inscribed close to his tie, and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is inscribed in the back of his head. “1918” is inscribed diagonally at the lowest.
The portrait concept became drawn from a celebrated statue created by using artist Andrew O’Connor, which changed into erected in front of the Illinois Capitol Building in October 1918.
Reverse
The reverse shows a grandiose eagle taken from the Illinois State Seal. The eagle is seated on a rock and clutching a protection and an olive branch in its talons, which suggests peace. The eagle holds in its beak a ribbon with “STATE SOVEREIGNTY, NATIONAL UNION.” The solar is rising from the east. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is on the top, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HALF DOLLAR” is spherical to it.
Edge
The edge of the coin is reeded, as was the standard design for most US coins at that time.
Coin prices and market demand
When the coins came out in 1918, they were marketed through banks and the Springfield Chamber of Commerce for $1, i.e., double the actual price.
Old Prices (1947–1976)
- Sold for $3 in 1947
- The price rose to $59 in 1974.
- GEM BU quality coin for sale for $55 in 1976
Rare and Pricey Specimens in 2023-2025
Nowadays those coins can sell for thousands of dollars at auctions if they’re in mint condition, specifically MS68 grade or higher. Some examples are indexed beneath:
- NGC MS68 #545454-023: Auctioned for $11,400 on a Stack’s Bowers public sale in March 2023.
- PCGS MS68 #25628857: Auctioned for $17,400 in August 2022.
- NGC MS68 #163972-007: Sold in 2007 for $14,375.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #47459785: Sold in March 2024 for $6,000, and in August 2024 for $3,120.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #35685445: Sold in July 2022 for $14,000.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #38141031: Sold in March 2023 for $10,800.
Highest Price: $28,600
The 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar holds the recorded all-time auction fee at $28,600. This happened in the course of a duration when the rarity and proper toning of a top-best coin brought collectors right into a fierce bidding war. This suggests that this coin has emerged as now not just part of history but also a funding.
Special Features
- It was the first to have Lincoln’s bust on its obverse.
- It changed into the 13th United States commemorative coin and the third commemorative 1/2 dollar.
- It became embellished with two famed designers—George T. Morgan (Lincoln obverse) and John Ray Sinnock (Illinois opposite).
Conclusion
The 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar isn’t the most effective coin, however, it is additionally a treasure of records that captures America’s political, cultural and creative past. Even now, if one possesses this coin in the proper nation, it can amount to thousands of greenbacks. And if it’s far uncommon and in excessive grade, its fee is going as high as $28,600. For creditors of uncommon coins, that is a useful treasure.
FAQs
How many Illinois Centennial Half Dollars were minted?
A total of 100,058 coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in August 1918, including 58 pieces for assay.
What does the reverse design depict?
It shows a bold eagle holding a shield and ribbon with Illinois’ motto, surrounded by sunrise and peaceful olive branches.
What is the edge style of the coin?
The 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar features a reeded edge, which was standard for commemorative half dollars of the era.
