Have you ever wondered why the faces on U.S. currency are there, or what their stories are? The images on our banknotes and coins are more than just designs; they're a reflection of our nation's history, values, and achievements. Let's delve into the fascinating world of photos on U.S. currency.
Our currency has evolved significantly since its inception, with various faces and symbols gracing its surface. From the iconic "In God We Trust" motto to the Great Seal of the United States, each element tells a story. But today, we're focusing on the faces - the individuals who have left an indelible mark on our nation's history.
Presidents on U.S. Currency
Perhaps the most recognizable faces on U.S. currency are those of our presidents. Since 1928, every U.S. banknote has featured a portrait of a former president. This tradition began with the signing of the Bank Note Act, which aimed to standardize the design of U.S. currency.
Initially, the Treasury Department chose former presidents based on their contributions to the nation's history. However, in 1977, Congress passed the Currency Reform Act, which established a specific order for the rotation of portraits on the reverse of bills. This order starts with the first U.S. president, George Washington, and continues chronologically through the seventh president, Andrew Jackson.
George Washington
George Washington, our first president, is featured on the $1 bill. His image has been on U.S. currency since the first paper money was issued in 1862. The current design, featuring a portrait by John Trumbull, has been in use since 1963.
Washington's image also appears on the quarter dollar coin, which was first minted in 1932 as part of the commemorative Washington quarter series. The reverse of the coin features a depiction of Washington crossing the Delaware River.
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, is featured on the $5 bill. His image has been on U.S. currency since 1929. The current design, featuring a portrait by Victor D. Brenner, has been in use since 1963.
Lincoln's image also appears on the $5 coin, which was first minted in 2007 as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program. The reverse of the coin features a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial.
Other Notable Figures on U.S. Currency
While presidents dominate U.S. currency, other notable figures also make an appearance. These individuals represent various aspects of American history and culture.
One such figure is Harriet Tubman, who will become the first African American and the first woman to appear on U.S. currency when the $20 bill is redesigned. Tubman, a former slave who became an abolitionist and a spy for the Union during the Civil War, will replace Andrew Jackson on the front of the bill. The reverse will continue to feature the White House.
The $10 Bill
The $10 bill currently features Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. However, in 2020, the Treasury Department announced that the $10 bill would also feature a woman - likely Harriet Tubman - on the front, with Hamilton moving to the back.
The $10 bill also features a variety of symbols and historical references. The reverse side currently features an image of the Treasury building, with the Great Seal of the United States and the Latin motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one) prominently displayed.
The $2 Bill
The $2 bill is one of the least common U.S. banknotes, but it's also one of the most intriguing. It features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
The reverse of the $2 bill features an image of the White House, with the Great Seal of the United States prominently displayed. The bill also features a variety of historical references, including the motto "In God We Trust" and the Latin phrase "Novus Ordo Seclorum" (New Order of the Ages).
From George Washington to Harriet Tubman, the faces on U.S. currency tell a rich and complex story about our nation's history. Each image is a testament to the individuals who have shaped our country, and a reminder of the values and ideals that unite us. As our currency evolves, so too will the stories it tells, reflecting the ever-changing face of America. So the next time you handle U.S. currency, take a moment to appreciate the history and the stories it carries.