Remember the U.S. Mint's 50 States Quarter Program? Illinois' was issued in 2003 and featured a young Abe Lincoln against the background of the state outline, the Chicago skyline, and a prairie-scape. Well, the U.S. Mint is back at it again with a new quarter program, this time honoring the nation's historic parks and sites. According to the program's selection guidelines, "The program will honor the national park or other national site in each host jurisdiction deemed most appropriate in terms or natural or historic significance." The Trib reports that state leaders, including Gov. Quinn who will have the final choice, are mulling over their options. more ›

The U.S. Mint today unveiled four new designs for the penny, made to commemorate the bicentennial of Honest Abe's birth as well as the 100th anniversary of the original release of the penny. It's the first such change to the coin in 50 years, or about the last time the penny had any real use to people. The first coin will be released into circulation on February 12, 2009 with the other designs following at three-month intervals. The front (or "heads") side of the coin will bare the same portrait of Lincoln as always, but the reverse side (i.e., the "tails") will feature four different designs commererating his birth in Kentucky, his time in Indiana, his life in Illinois, and his presidency. more ›