New bicentennial coin design unveiled

By Greg Bishop

A graduate of Glenwood High School in Chatham designed Illinois’ bicentennial coin, which is available for preorder for $45 on the state treasurer’s website.

The two-sided coin will feature the state’s seal on one side. The other side will feature a design from Hayden Schumer, a 21-year-old from Chatham, just south of Springfield, titled “The First 200.”

Frerichs said Schumer’s design was well-rounded.

“A lot of the designs focused on maybe the city of Chicago or some focused on downstate,” Frerichs said. “I think he did a good job of capturing our history, the things that make us strong like our industry and transportation.”

The coin’s features an outline of Illinois bisected by Route 66. A portrait of Abraham Lincoln is located on the northwest part of the state. A covered wagon heads westward near the Metro East. A rail line and train are depicted heading out of the southwest part of the state. A profile of the Willis Tower is featured in the Chicago area with the capitol building in the middle of the state and depictions of corn in several sections of the state.
“As someone who has an office here in the capitol I appreciate that the state capital is front and center, but really showing, without being overly cluttered, showing a lot of different things that make our state great.”
Frerichs said the coin collecting community was excited about the new coin.

“I’ve been surprised by the number of people who don’t really have a tie to state government who will come up to me and have said ‘I really appreciate your contest, I’ve already ordered a coin,’” Frerichs said.

Dozens of designs were submitted from all over the state. More than 6,000 people voted to select the winner. Schumer’s design got the most votes of the five finalists

The coins, minted in silver and costing $45 each, are available for preorder at www.illinoistreasurer.gov. Shipping is expected to begin Aug. 1.

Executive Director of the Governor's Bicentennial Office Stuart Layne thanked the treasurer in a statement.
“The Bicentennial Celebration would not be complete without a commemorative coin,” Layne said.
Illinois will celebrate its 200th birthday on Dec. 3.