Numismatic

2003-S Illinois State Quarter Gem Proof

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The 2003-S Illinois State Quarter, struck at the San Francisco Mint, represents a fascinating blend of natural beauty, agricultural roots, and urban development. This proof coin features a copper-nickel clad composition bonded to a pure copper core, showcasing the crisp details of its dual-themed design. On the obverse, the classic profile of George Washington is rendered in sharp detail. This side of the coin bears the familiar inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, alongside the denomination QUARTER DOLLAR and the S mint mark, indicating its origin in San Francisco. The reverse side presents a rich visual narrative of the state of Illinois. A young Abraham Lincoln stands within the outline of the state, flanked by a farm scene on one side and the towering Chicago skyline on the other. This imagery captures the transition of Illinois from its agricultural foundations to its modern industrial and urban status. The reverse is inscribed with ILLINOIS, the statehood year of 1818, the year of issue 2003, and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, alongside the inspiring phrase Land of Lincoln.