The Illinois centennial half dollar is also commonly known as the Lincoln half dollar. Despite being one of the earlier commemoratives, it is one of the more widely available pieces, as more than 100,000 were made and many examples were saved.

Designed by George T. Morgan and John R. Sinnock, the Lincoln commemorative was originally sold for $1 each. These pieces are commonly found in the grades of MS62-65, though MS66s can be found with great frequency in the marketplace and MS67s are scarce but are available. MS68s, however, are quite rare.