Route 66 is among the design options that Illinois residents can choose when voting for the official design of the Illinois Bicentennial coin.
All of the designs were created by Illinois artists. Coins can be pre-ordered for $45 each here.
The artist’s description of the coin design that includes Route 66:
“The coin depicts Illinois’ strong; vibrate history through the present. One of the most influential and important historic figures of Illinois and our country, is displayed prominently in the upper left corner. It illustrates the westward movement of our country via the wagon train across the Mississippi River and it provides recognition of the historic railroads of Cairo. Furthermore, it indicates the strong ties Illinois has to agriculture alongside the metropolis of Chicago. Revealing yet another part of Illinois’ rich history, the historic Route 66 is shown from Chicago to St. Louis. The Illinois State Capitol is presented front and center. Finally, the ‘200’ on the right and the years ‘1818’ and ‘2018’ are displayed top and bottom respectively providing the years marking the Bicentennial.”
Online voting will be open until June 15 here. The winning design will be announced June 18.
The winning design will be minted on one side of the coin and distributed to commemorate the state’s 200th birthday this year. Illinois became the nation’s 21st state on Dec. 3, 1818. The back of the coin will feature the state seal.
(Image of the proposed Illinois Bicentennial coin via the Illinois Treasurer’s office)