Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary 
George T. Morgan
Obverse
Illinois Centennial Half Dollar
1918 Illinois Centennial Commemorative Silver Half Dollar Obverse
1918 Illinois Centennial Commemorative Silver Half Dollar Reverse
Background
The Illinois Centennial Half Dollar was released in 1918 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the admission of Illinois into the Union.
Recipient Organization
No recipient organization was mentioned in the legislation. The coins were distributed by the Illinois Centennial Commission with the proceeds going to pay for centennial celebrations or war relief related to World War I.
Characteristics
The obverse was designed by George T. Morgan, famous for sculpting the Morgan Dollar. It features a a low relief portrait of President Lincoln taken from the heroic statue that was unveiled at Springfield, Illinois, in August 1918. The statue was by the American sculptor Andrew O'Connor.
The reverse design is based on the Illinois State Seal.
Obverse Inscriptions
- CENTENNIAL OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 1918
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- STATE SOVEREIGNTY NATIONAL UNION
- HALF DOLLAR