© Jacob A. McCollum
© Jacob A. McCollum
½ Dollar State of Illinois Anniversary
1918 year| Silver (.900) | 12.5 g | 30.61 mm |
| Issuer | United States |
|---|---|
| Period | Federal republic (1776-date) |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Year | 1918 |
| Value | ½ Dollar = 50 Cents (½ USD) |
| Currency | Dollar (1785-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 12.5 g |
| Diameter | 30.61 mm |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#4397 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 43% |
Reverse
Based on Illinois State Seal. An eagle is depicted with one talon on a shield and a ribbon in its beak. The ribbon contains the words “State Sovereignty National Union”.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
E PLURIBUS UNUM
HALF DOLLAR
Engraver: John R. Sinnock
Edge
Reeded
Comment
Representing the first commemorative coin to sell the full maximum authorized mintage, the 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar depicting Abraham Lincoln was immediately popular with collectors and the public. This commemorative silver half dollar would be the first of many issued to mark the anniversaries of states, counties, and municipalities throughout America.As mentioned, the entire authorized mintage of 100,000 coins was sold with none returned to the Mint for melting. The final mintage is listed as 100,058 to include the 58 coins struck for assay purposes. The coins were sold to the public for $1 each by the Illinois Centennial Commission.
Today, the 1918 Illinois Centennial “Lincoln” Half Dollar represents one of the most popular classic commemorative coins due to the depiction of Lincoln by George T. Morgan.
Interesting fact
The 1918 Illinois State Anniversary half dollar is a unique coin that was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Illinois' statehood. It features an image of a young Abraham Lincoln, who was a former resident of Illinois and the 16th President of the United States. The coin's design was created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who is also known for his work on the presidential faces on Mount Rushmore.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | 100058 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Dollar (State of Illinois Anniversary) 1918 coin.
