By AP/KWMU
Chicago, IL – The Illinois state quarter will show a young Abraham Lincoln, a farm setting and the Chicago skyline over an outline of the state and 21 stars.
Governor George Ryan unveiled the design today in Chicago.
The coin will be the first to be released in 2003 and will be the 21st state quarter to be minted. The 50 state quarters are being minted in the order that states ratified the Constitution. The program will continue through 2008.
The image of Lincoln stands out over the state outline, with the geographical settings in the background. The coin also carries the state's "Land of Lincoln" slogan. The 21 stars represent Illinois' place as the 21st state to join the union. Illinois became an American state on December 3, 1818. To see a picture of the quarter design, click here