Illinois Quarter
Issued in 2003
Coin Description
Reverse
Shows a young Abraham Lincoln within an outline of the state, a farm scene, and the Chicago skyline on the left and the right of the state's outline.
Obverse
Features the familiar image of George Washington.
The Story
Twenty-one stars surround the twenty-first state (Illinois) on the twenty-first quarter of the 50 State Quarters Program as we enter the twenty-first century.
The Illinois quarter looks forward to the new century as it reminds us of how Abraham Lincoln must have looked forward to his new career in law from his job as a young rail-splitter. In the image, Lincoln is setting his farm tool aside and picking up his law book, the farm behind him and the city of Chicago ahead. He went on to become one of our greatest presidents.
This “Land of Lincoln” design speaks of both the history and the future of “The Prairie State.”
Illinois Facts
Nickname: The Prairie State
Capital: Springfield
Statehood: December 13, 1818

2003 50 State Quarters Coin Illinois Uncirculated Reverse

2003 50 State Quarters Coin Uncirculated Obverse