Design with Route 66 chosen as Illinois Bicentennial coin

A design featuring Route 66 as one of its elements was chosen as the official Illinois Bicentennial coin, the state treasurer announced Monday.

The winning design out of five proposals was by Hayden Schumer, 21, from the Route 66 town of Chatham, Illinois, which was part of the original 1926-1932 alignment of Route 66 south of Springfield.

Schumer recently graduated in graphic design from Lincoln Land Community College. The winning design was chosen by the public through online voting.

The news release from the state treasurer Michael Frerichs stated:

The winning design will be minted in silver on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the Illinois Bicentennial. The back of the coin will feature the state seal. […]

Schumer titled his design “The First 200” and said it depicted “Illinois’ strong, vibrant history.” The design features President Abraham Lincoln and multiple milestones and landmarks in Illinois.

The Illinois Bicentennial coin may be preordered here. The cost is $45, and the coin will be shipped about Aug. 1.

Illinois became the nation’s 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818.

(Image of the Illinois Bicentennial coin via the Illinois Treasurer’s office)

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