[WASHINGTON, DC] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced the Senate passed legislation which directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 500,000 one-dollar commemorative coins to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The bill was authored by Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) in the House and by Durbin in the Senate, both of whom are co-chairmen of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. The House passed the bill on Wednesday and the legislation now heads to the President for his signature.

The $1 commemorative coins will be issued in 2009, the year of Lincoln’s bicentennial, and will feature designs emblematic of the life and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. The design for the coins will be selected by the Treasury Secretary, after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts and the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and will be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

“Abraham Lincoln is a true American hero, and his life can provide inspiration to Americans of any age and background,” Durbin said. “Lincoln demonstrated enormous courage and strength of character during the Civil War and throughout his life, ensuring that the United States remained one nation, united and inseparable. To honor the 200th anniversary of his birth, this special series of $1 commemorative coins will pay tribute to his life and work.”

In December, Durbin passed separate legislation known as the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial One-Cent Coin Redesign Act which will issue a series of one-cent coins to honor the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The redesigned pennies will be issued in 2009, the year of Lincoln’s bicentennial, and will feature four designs on the reverse side of the coins, each representing a different aspect of the life of Abraham Lincoln. The full cost of producing the coins will be paid for by funds generated through coin sales. Any additional proceeds will help fund the celebration and the continued study of the life of President Lincoln.