Presidents’ Day is a perfect time to delve into the faces that grace our wallets every day. Have you ever stopped to consider why certain presidents appear on U.S. currency? The Bureau of Engraving and Printing explains that figures featured on banknotes and coins are those “whose places in history the American people know well.” Adding another layer, no living person can be depicted on U.S. money. This naturally leads to a distinguished group of deceased presidents, alongside a couple of Founding Fathers, taking their place on our nation’s currency.
Let’s explore the financial history etched onto each denomination in honor of Presidents’ Day, revealing the presidents and historical figures who have made the cut.
Close up of various US currency featuring portraits of presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.
Penny: Abraham Lincoln
The Lincoln penny, as we recognize it today, was first minted in 1909 to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. This coin marked a turning point in coin design. Interestingly, until the redesign of the quarter in 2022, Lincoln’s portrait was unique as the only presidential image on a coin facing right, adding a subtle distinction to this common piece of currency.
Nickel: Thomas Jefferson
The design for the Jefferson nickel was the result of a public competition organized by the U.S. Mint. Felix Schlag, a sculptor, emerged victorious, and his design was adopted for the new nickel, entering circulation in 1938. Jefferson’s image on the nickel serves as a lasting tribute to his contributions as a Founding Father and the third U.S. President.
Dime: Franklin D. Roosevelt
The Roosevelt dime was introduced shortly after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death, specifically to honor his pivotal role in establishing and championing the March of Dimes. This organization was created to combat polio, a disease affecting countless children. Roosevelt’s image on the dime is not only a presidential tribute but also a reminder of his commitment to public health and welfare.
Quarter: George Washington
George Washington, the first U.S. President, has been featured on the quarter since 1932, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of his birth. Historically, only copper coins had their value marked directly on them. People relied on the size and weight of the silver dollar to determine the worth of smaller silver coins, understanding that a silver dollar weighed four times as much as a quarter. While the modern quarter no longer contains silver, its design and historical significance remain, connecting us to early American coinage and the legacy of Washington. The quarter’s composition has evolved to a copper core encased in a copper-nickel alloy.
Half Dollar Coin: John F. Kennedy
Following the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the U.S. Mint sought to memorialize him on coinage. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis personally selected the half dollar as the denomination for this honor. The coin’s design is adapted from Kennedy’s inaugural medal, creating a dignified and recognizable tribute to the 35th President.
$1 Bill: George Washington
The design of the $1 bill featuring George Washington is among the oldest still in circulation. Washington’s portrait has been a fixture on the $1 bill since 1869, predating the era when paper money was officially designated as “Federal Reserve Notes” and was still known as “United States Notes.” This enduring design links the modern dollar back to the earliest days of standardized U.S. paper currency.
$2 Bill: Thomas Jefferson
Even predating the Washington $1 bill design, Thomas Jefferson has been featured on the $2 bill since 1862. Although production was halted in 1966, the $2 bill returned to circulation in 1976 and continues to be printed today, albeit in smaller quantities, making it a less commonly seen but historically rich piece of U.S. currency.
$5 Bill: Abraham Lincoln
Salmon P. Chase, Abraham Lincoln’s Treasury Secretary, was a strong advocate for featuring Lincoln on the $5 bill. Chase believed it was fitting to honor Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and his efforts to preserve the Union. He viewed it not only as a tribute to the president but also as an inspirational reminder to Americans of the core values of equality and freedom that Lincoln championed.
$10 Bill: Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton stands out as one of only two non-presidents featured on U.S. paper currency. His exceptional status stems from his role as a Founding Father and, crucially, as the first Treasury Secretary of the United States. Hamilton’s vision shaped the early American financial system, making his presence on the $10 bill a recognition of his foundational contributions.
In 2015, there was a proposal to replace Hamilton with a female figure on the $10 bill. However, the immense popularity of the musical “Hamilton” played a significant role in halting these plans, preserving Hamilton’s place on the currency.
$20 Bill: Andrew Jackson
Andrew Jackson’s presence on the $20 bill is somewhat ironic, given that he was famously opposed to paper money. Despite his skepticism towards banknotes, Jackson replaced Grover Cleveland on the $20 bill. The exact reasons for this decision remain unclear, lacking definitive historical documentation, adding an element of mystery to his prominent placement on one of the most frequently used U.S. banknotes.
$50 Bill: Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, has been featured on the $50 bill since its introduction into circulation in 1913. Grant’s image on the $50 bill honors his presidency and his role as a Union General during the Civil War, marking his significant place in American history.
$100 Bill: Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is the second non-president honored on U.S. paper currency. His inclusion on the $100 bill recognizes his profound impact as a Founding Father, inventor, diplomat, and a key figure in shaping American identity. The $100 bill itself is notable for having the longest lifespan of all U.S. paper money, with an estimated circulation life of 15 years, reflecting its high value and usage.
Presidents on Currency No Longer in Circulation
Beyond the currency we commonly use today, several now-discontinued bills featured other presidents, offering a glimpse into the historical figures once more prominently celebrated through U.S. money.
- $500 Bill: William McKinley: The 25th U.S. President, William McKinley, once graced the $500 bill.
- $1,000 Bill: Grover Cleveland: Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th President, was featured on the $1,000 bill.
- $5,000 Bill: James Madison: James Madison, the 4th President and “Father of the Constitution,” appeared on the $5,000 bill.
- $100,000 Bill: Woodrow Wilson: Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President, was on the $100,000 gold certificate. Although never circulated publicly, this bill was used for large value transfers between banks during the Great Depression, representing the highest denomination of U.S. currency ever printed.
Exploring the presidents and figures on our currency provides a tangible connection to American history and the values we choose to commemorate. Each bill and coin is not just a unit of financial exchange but also a miniature portrait gallery of leaders and thinkers who have shaped the nation.
