Why Some US Presidents Appear on Currency While Others Do Not
The United States has had 45 presidents, but only a handful of them are depicted on the currency we use every day. Among these are figures such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and others. But why are only some presidents on currency while others are not? This article delves into the factors that determine which presidents appear on U.S. currency and coins, and why certain choices were made.
Historical Significance and Political Considerations
The choice of which presidents and other figures to feature on U.S. currency is a result of a blend of historical significance and political considerations. In the case of the 45 U.S. presidents, only a portion of them have been chosen to appear on the 6 current denominations of U.S. bills, and even fewer on coins due to the finite number of currency denominations.
Donald J. Trump, our 45th president as of this writing, is not one of those chosen to appear on current denominations. There are no 45 denominations of U.S. currency; the highest denominations in circulation are $100 bills and the most common denominations are $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Selection Criteria for US Currency
The selection criteria for who is featured on U.S. currency are quite specific. The person depicted must have played a significant role in American history and be of great historical significance. This means that not every president has been chosen. For instance:
George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Thomas Jefferson: These presidents are considered the "big three" due to their overwhelming historical importance. Their portraits feature on the $1, $5, and $10 bills respectively. Theodore Roosevelt: Often listed among the top four presidents, Teddy Roosevelt is not currently featured on any currency. His absence from currency is indeed puzzling. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR): FDR's portrait can be found on the dime, a lower denomination of coin, making his inclusion a significant accolade. Benjamin Franklin: Although not a president, Franklin's inclusion on the $100 bill is itself a recognition of his historical importance and contributions to the nation. Alexander Hamilton: A key figure in early American finance, Hamilton's portrait is featured on the $10 bill. Andrew Jackson: A controversial figure, Jackson is on the $20 bill, though he may soon face replacement by a female figure due to his problematic legacy. Ulysses S. Grant: While not a "great" president, his contributions as a general during the Civil War made him a reasonable choice for the $50 bill.Challenges and Potential Changes
There have been discussions about replacing certain figures on currency, particularly Andrew Jackson, with iconic women such as Susan B. Anthony or Harriet Tubman. While the opposition to these figures is understandable, it's worth noting that Andrew Jackson's portrait on the $20 bill is a noteworthy and significant achievement for a lower denomination.
Conclusion
The selection process for featuring presidents and historical figures on U.S. currency is a complex one that involves a balance of historical significance and political considerations. Only a few presidents have been chosen, and there are no concrete rules beyond the guidelines outlined above.
The process of choosing who appears on our currency is continually under scrutiny, with ongoing discussions about how to best represent American history and values. In the evolving landscape of currency design, it's likely that more figures will be considered in the future as the country continues to reflect on its past and present.