1918 Lincoln Half Dollar/Illinois Centennial

In 1918, the state of Illinois looked to honor their centennial year with the issuance of a coin. As opposed to many other commemorative issues in the classic commemorative series, the funds raised were actually used for their intended purpose, which was to help fund the centennial celebrations in the state. The legislation which authorized the coin was passed on June 1st, 1918 and called for the coining of not more than 100,000 half dollars in honor of the state’s centennial. As the centennial year was already nearly half over, the design of the coin had to be completed quickly. Therefore, there were two designers; one to design the obverse, and the other for the reverse. Mint Chief Engraver George T. Morgan (of Morgan dollar fame) sculpted the obverse, while his newly-hired assistant John R. Sinnock completed the reverse.