2003-P United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Illinois Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

2003-P United States 25-Cent State Quarter Series: Illinois Brilliant Uncirculated Coin

Face Value: 25 cents
Mintage: N/A
Composition: 91.67% Copper, 8.33% Nickel
Weight (g): 5.67
Diameter (mm): 24.26
Finish: BU

Launched in 1999, the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program was a 10-year initiative that honored each of the nation’s states in the order that they ratified the Constitution or were admitted into the Union. Each quarter was produced for about 10 weeks and will never be produced again. State designs are displayed on the reverse (tails) of the quarters, while the obverse design displays the familiar image of George Washington.

Released on January 2, 2003, this is the 21st coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program and the first released in 2003. Illinois, admitted into the Union on December 3, 1818, themed the coin, The Land of Lincoln. It highlights an image of 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. There are twenty-one stars bordering the coin which signify Illinois as the 21st state admitted into the Union. President William J. Clinton was in office when this legislation was signed. Three United States Mint Directors served under President Clinton's tenure; David J. Ryder of Idaho, Philip N. Diehl of Texas, and Jay W. Johnson of Wisconsin.

Obverse design:
John Flanagan's portrait of George Washington (modified by William Cousins) is featured on the obverse. Also seen are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "QUARTER DOLLAR," "LIBERTY", "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the mintmark.

Reverse design:
The reverse design features a young Abraham Lincoln before an outline of the state. The inscriptions include the State name, Statehood date, mintage date, “E Pluribus Unum,” “Land of Lincoln,” and “21st State Century.” The coin’s reverse was designed and engraved by Donna Weaver.