SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the public voting period for the Bicentennial Coin Contest encouraging individuals to vote for their favorite of five final designs. The winning design will be minted on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The back of the coin will feature the state seal.
“We invite the public to participate in Illinois’ bicentennial celebration by voting for their favorite commemorative coin design,” Frerichs said.
The treasurer’s office is accepting electronic votes from the public for the Bicentennial Coin Contest from June 1 – June 15. Each design depicts an aspect of Illinois or Illinois history. The final winner will be announced on June 18, 2018. Participants can cast their votes at www.IllinoisCoinContest.com.
Click on an image of a coin below to see a high-resolution image and read a description provided by the artist.
To pre-order a commemorative bicentennial coin, please click here.
The Commemorative Medallions Act authorizes the state treasurer to issue medallions or coins to commemorate popular contemporaneous events of statewide interest. The State of Illinois will celebrate its 200 th birthday on December 3, 2018.
For more information and to follow updates about the Illinois Bicentennial events and celebrations, visit www.illinois200.com.
About the Illinois Treasurer The Illinois Treasurer is the state’s chief investment officer and Frerichs is a Certified Public Finance Officer. He protects consumers by encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. As the state’s Chief Investment Officer, he actively manages approximately $25 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $7 billion in college savings plans and $5 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $28 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.