Introduction

Money is an instrument that we use every day, yet we often don’t think about the stories behind the faces we see on our banknotes. Presidents have been featured on American currency for over a century, and have been chosen for a variety of reasons. This article will explore the history and significance of presidents on American currency, their human-interest stories, and the decision-making process behind choosing these important figures to represent our country.

A Historical Account of the Presidents on American Currency

George Washington was the first president to be featured on American currency, back in 1861. Since then, many presidents have graced the fronts of our banknotes, including Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. These presidents were chosen for their contributions to American history and society, with their appearance on currency serving as a tribute to their greatness.

Over the years, the design and nomination processes have evolved. In the early 1900s, banknotes featured intricate designs, including portraits and allegorical figures, which today would be considered overly complicated. In the 1920s, new designs were introduced, which were simpler and easier to recognize. In the 1990s, the Department of Treasury updated all currency to include enhanced security features like watermarks and security threads to combat counterfeiting.

The Significance of Having Particular Presidents on Currency

The significance of having certain presidents on currency varies depending on the bill. For example, the $1 bill, which features George Washington, is the most common banknote in circulation. Abraham Lincoln, on the $5 bill, represents national unity and the preservation of democracy, while Alexander Hamilton, on the $10 bill, was the first Secretary of the Treasury. Andrew Jackson, on the $20 bill, represents the expansion of democracy and equal rights.

These choices reflect national values and history, such as democracy, freedom, and the equal rights of all Americans. By featuring presidents who embody these values, we honor their contributions to our nation and continue to recognize them as important figures in American history.

The Human-Interest Stories Related to the Presidents on Money

Each president represented on American currency has an interesting story and unique challenges faced during their presidency. For example, George Washington was not initially supportive of a strong central government, yet his leadership during the Revolutionary War and as president helped establish a strong federal government. Abraham Lincoln faced the challenge of preserving the Union during the Civil War and ultimately freeing slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, whose likeness appears on the dime and the now-obsolete $100,000 bill, led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing policies such as the New Deal and Social Security that have had lasting impacts on American society. His wife, Eleanor Roosevelt, was also a prominent figure and advocate for human rights. Each president serves as a testament to the strength and complexity of American leadership.

The Decision-Making Process Behind Choosing Presidents to Feature on Currency

The process of selecting candidates to appear on American currency is rigorous and takes a considerable amount of time. The final decision on who to include is generally made by the Secretary of the Treasury, who takes into account factors such as the contributions of the potential candidate to American history and society. There is also considerable public input, and suggestions can be submitted through the Department of Treasury website.

The financial impact of the individual on our economy is also considered. For example, in 2016, it was announced that Harriet Tubman would replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, reflecting her contributions to the fight for freedom and equal rights. However, this change has yet to take place, with some arguing that it may be too expensive to redesign and produce new currency.

Provoking Thought or Discussion Among Readers

While many presidents have been featured on American currency, some notable names are missing. For example, Ronald Reagan, a beloved figure in modern American politics, has yet to make an appearance on any banknote. With the decision-making process open to public input, readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions on who should be included.

It’s important to remember that the faces we see on our currency represent more than just historical figures. These individuals embody American values and have helped shape our country into the democracy it is today. By recognizing their contributions in this way, we continue to honor and learn from our collective history.

Fun and Light-Hearted Approach

While the stories behind the faces on our banknotes are often serious and significant, there are also some fun and interesting design elements. For example, on the $1 bill, there is a hidden owl in the upper left-hand corner of the shield on the Great Seal of the United States. Additionally, the back of the $5 bill famously features the Lincoln Memorial, while the back of the $10 bill features a montage of buildings associated with Alexander Hamilton’s life.

Cultural references to presidential money portrayals can also be found in society. For example, in the beloved animated television show The Simpsons, the character Montgomery Burns is frequently seen carrying around “Burns Bucks,” portraying his own face on the banknotes. Similarly, in the video game Grand Theft Auto V, a bank heist can be completed by stealing $200 million in gold bars bearing President Andrew Jackson’s face.

Conclusion

Presidents on American currency represent more than just historical figures, they embody American values and serve as a tribute to the greatness of our nation. Each president has a unique story and has made significant contributions to American society. The decision-making process behind choosing these individuals to represent our country is rigorous and takes into account both public input and the financial impact of the individual on our economy. By taking a closer look at our currency and the faces on them, we can better understand and appreciate the history and significance behind the presidents who have helped shaped our nation.