Commems Collection Classic: Quick Bits #30 - 1918 Illinois Sales

Though the Illinois Centennial Commission was the sponsor of the Illinois Statehood Centennial half dollar, it did not take the primary responsibility for selling the coins to the public.

When the Illinois State Treasury received the coins from the Mint in mid-August 1918, the Commission divided and distributed the 100,000 coins among the counties of the state; in 1918, there were 102 counties in Illinois. The number of coins received by each county was based on its population - 1 coin per 60 residents (per the 1910 census). Using this formula, the most-populated county in Illinois at the time - Cook County (home to Chicago), 1910 population of 2,405,233 - likely received about 40,100 coins while the least populated county - Putnam County, population 7,561 - likely received just 125. Using the ratio formula on the total Illinois population yields a distribution of approximately 94,000 coins. It seems likely the Commission held back some coins in order for it to address ad hoc needs during the centennial (e.g., VIP badges) and a small volume of direct sales.

The Centennial Commission provided the coins to each county at face value, but it required them to be sold for $1.00 each. Each county was to use their net proceeds to defray costs associated with their centennial celebration and/or for approved war relief or public service programs.

1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial Half Dollar



To learn more about the Illinois coin, check out:

- 1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial
- 1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial - Revisited
- 1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial - Lincoln's Portrait
- 1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial - Coins that Depict the Sun Thread
- 1918 Illinois Statehood Centennial - Coins with Stars Thread


For more information about the Illinois State Seal presented on this coin, see:

- Official Seals on Classic US Commemorative Coins - Part I.