SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the Bicentennial Coin Contest, encouraging individuals to submit a design for the coin that will be created and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial.
“A bicentennial coin is a great way to commemorate Illinois’ upcoming 200 th birthday,” Frerichs said. “We call upon Illinoisans to tap their creativity and submit a design that captures the beauty of our state, its illustrious history, and depicts the great advantages Illinois has to offer.” The treasurer’s office will accept electronic submissions for the Bicentennial Coin Contest from Illinois residents. Each design should depict an aspect of Illinois or Illinois history. One entry, per contestant, can be submitted now through May 1, 2018 at www.IllinoisCoinContest.com. The winning design will be used for the commemorative bicentennial coin. To pre-order a commemorative bicentennial coin, visit www.IllinoisCoinContest.com and click on the “medallion pre-sale” graphic.
The public will have an online opportunity to vote on the top five designs in June. A final winner will be announced on June 18, 2018.
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.
To read all the rules, terms, and legal conditions associated with this contest, visit our website at 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.