Numismatic

1918 Lincoln Illinois Centennial Half BU

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In 1918, the United States marked a century of statehood for Illinois with a special commemorative silver half dollar. This coin, struck in Philadelphia, carries a purity of 90 percent silver, representing 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal. It remains a fascinating artifact of early twentieth-century American commemorative coinage, preserved in brilliant uncirculated condition. The obverse of the coin features a solemn, right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln. This specific depiction of the sixteenth president was modeled after a statue created by Andrew O'Connor. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the date of 1918. On the reverse, the coin displays the official State Seal of Illinois. The design showcases an eagle perched upon a rock, holding a ribbon in its beak inscribed with the state motto. The reverse also bears the traditional national motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and states the denomination as HALF DOLLAR.