Bicentennial Coin Contest Winner
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced Hayden Schumer of Chatham, Il., as the winner of the Bicentennial Coin Contest. The design was one of five finalists voted on by the public. The winning design will be minted in silver on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The back of the coin will feature the state seal.
“Congratulations to Hayden Schumer on winning the bicentennial coin contest,” Frerichs said.
“Thanks to Hayden’s artistic talent, Illinois will have a bicentennial coin that we all can be proud of to celebrate our state’s 200 th birthday.” Schumer, 21, is a graduate of Glenwood High School in Chatham. He recently graduated from Lincoln Land Community College with a degree in graphic design. He is pursuing a degree in communications at the University of Illinois at Springfield this Fall.
Schumer titled his design “The First 200” and said it depicted “Illinois’ strong, vibrant history.” The design features President Abraham Lincoln and multiple milestones and landmarks in Illinois.
“We thank Treasurer Frerichs’ Office for piloting the Illinois Bicentennial Coin campaign and we congratulate the winner,” commented Stuart Layne, Executive Director of the Governor's Bicentennial Office. “The Bicentennial Celebration would not be complete without a commemorative coin.” click the ‘Bicentennial Medallion Pre-Sale’ link beneath the Resource Center on the right side of the webpage.
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 Dec. 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 $28 billion. The portfolio includes $12 billion in state funds, $10 billion in college savings plans and $5.5 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.
About Illinois Bicentennial On Dec. 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the union. The Illinois Bicentennial is a yearlong celebration of what has been BORN, BUILT & GROWN in the state and a reminder of why we are #IllinoisProud. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the celebration by visiting www.illinois200.com and using the hashtag #IllinoisProud. Partners and event and project managers planning activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement to become an official part of Illinois Bicentennial by visiting the PARTICIPATE page at www.illinois200.com.