Collectible Stocks and Bonds from North American Railroads
by Terry Cox

Illinois

Part of Northwest Territory: July 13, 1787
Became territory: February 3, 1809
Became state: December 11, 1816

An easy state to collect due to the huge number of varieties available. Depending on how a collector might count companies that "operated" within the state, even more certificate varieties might be available for collecting. The Illinois state seal, however, is not a common image. It is possible that more examples exist, but have not been recognized as such.

Eagle with shield holds ribbon in beak that reads State sovereignty, National union. Rising sun beyond. Dates of territory and statehood status on rock. Unlike most states, the official Illinois has changed substantially since territorial times. The current seal, from 1868, is the only one with the sun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Varieties of collectible certificates
(counting all companies that operated within the state)
Moderate number (500 to 1000 varieties)

Earliest seal (about 1788) closely resembled the American eagle. No state motto.

 First state seal, 1818. State motto added.
 
Second state seal. Eagle changes direction. (Date unknown)
  
Or go directly to these states to see more discussions and descriptions:

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