SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking an artist to design a coin to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the ratification of the 19 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote.
“We think this is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their talent and become a part of Illinois’ history,” Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said. “Women’s right to vote is a major victory in our nation’s history and this coin will serve as a way to commemorate such an important day.” Senate Joint Resolution 28, sponsored by Sen. Ann Gillespie and Rep. Deb Conroy, authorizes the state treasurer to issue a coin to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of the ratification of the 19 th Amendment. The Commemorative Medallions Act authorizes the state treasurer to issue medallions or coins to commemorate popular contemporaneous events of statewide interest.
Congress passed the 19 th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on June 4, 1919. It was ratified by the Illinois General Assembly on June 10, 1919, followed by 35 other states. The 19 th Amendment was officially ratified on August 18, 1920.
To submit a proposal to design the coin, visit the Illinois Treasurer’s procurement website here.
Deadline to submit proposals by mail or messenger is December 18, 2019. The RFQ schedule can be found here.
About the Illinois Treasurer As Illinois State Treasurer, Frerichs is the state’s Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $31 billion. The portfolio includes $13 billion in state funds, $12 billion in college savings plans and $6 billion on behalf of local and state governments. The investment approach is cautious to ensure the preservation of capital and returns $42 to the state for every $1 spent in operations. Frerichs’ office protects consumers by safeguarding more than $3 billion in unclaimed property, encouraging savings plans for college or trade school, increasing financial education among all ages, assisting people with disabilities save without losing government benefits, and removing barriers to a secure retirement. The Treasurer’s Office predates Illinois incorporation in 1818. Voters in 1848 chose to make it an elected office.