This is the second part of a blog series exploring the faces that adorn banknotes.

America's currency journey started in 1792 with the Coinage Act, a rebellion against the British monetary system. The Act established the dollar as the official unit and adopted a novel decimal system inspired by the Spanish silver dollar, which was then widely circulated in the colonies. The first coins were minted shortly after. Paper money came later, during the Civil War, when the government, needing funds, issued "greenbacks" to finance the fight. Since then, US currency has evolved with security features and design changes, but its core purpose – a symbol of American financial power and a tribute to the nation's historical architects, whose visages grace the banknotes.

American Dollar banknotes are crafted with intricate details that both enhance their beauty and thwart counterfeiting, from intricate engravings and tactile printing to colour-shifting ink and security threads. Hold a bill to the light to reveal a portrait watermark matching the featured historical figure. Tilting the note unveils additional surprises, like a security ribbon with dynamic images that shift depending on the angle. These features, constantly evolving to stay ahead of counterfeiters, make American currency a marvel of design and security.

$1 Note - George Washington

The face staring back at you from a crisp $1 bill is George Washington, the first President of the United States. His selection for this prominent spot wasn't by accident. Washington's leadership during the Revolutionary War was instrumental in securing American independence from Britain. Following the war, his presidency played a crucial role in laying the foundation for the new nation's government and institutions. His commitment to a stable and unified country earned him the moniker "Father of His Country."

The $1 bill features a classic and relatively simple design that has remained largely unchanged since 1869. On the front, a central oval portrait of George Washington with the Federal Reserve Seal to the left and Department of the Treasury Seal to the right. Turn over, the Great Seal of the United States, featuring an American eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch, symbolising strength and peace, sits to the right. To the left is a pyramid with an unfinished top and an eye above represents the foundation of the nation and its watchful providence. A banner below the pyramid reads "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One), signifying the unity of the states.

$2 Note - Thomas Jefferson

Unlike the presidents who grace most US banknotes, the $2 bill boasts a founding father: Thomas Jefferson. His selection reflects his pivotal role in shaping the nation's early years. Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, penned the document that boldly declared America's separation from Great Britain. His eloquent prose articulated the ideals of liberty and self-government that continue to define the nation. Beyond his literary contributions, Jefferson served as the third US president, guiding the young nation through the Louisiana Purchase, dramatically expanding its territory. His belief in reason and individual rights left an enduring mark on American society and its legal framework.

The United States Declaration of Independence is a foundational document adopted on July 4, 1776. It formally declared the Thirteen Colonies' independence from Great Britain. Primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, with contributions from others, it explains the justification for separation from Britain, citing grievances against British rule, presents the concept of self-evident truths, including the equality of all men and their inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and declares the formation of free and independent states.

The design is similar to that of the $1 note however, the reserve shows a detailed engraving of John Trumbull's famous painting, Declaration of Independence. It depicts the signing of the document by the Founding Fathers in 1776. Due to space limitations, some figures from the original painting are omitted.

$5 Note - Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, is the face of the $5 note. His selection is a powerful tribute to the man who steered the nation through its darkest hour: the Civil War. Lincoln, a Republican known for his strong stance against slavery, became president in 1861 just as several southern states were seceding. Throughout the brutal war, Lincoln's leadership proved invaluable. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation, a pivotal document that declared enslaved people in Confederate states to be free. He also championed the 13th Amendment, which officially abolished slavery throughout the nation. Beyond wartime actions, Lincoln's unwavering belief in national unity cemented his legacy as the Great Emancipator who preserved the Union.

The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution is a cornerstone of American history, ratified in 1865. It outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude, marking a turning point in American society, finally etching the abolition of slavery into the nation's highest law.

The American $5 bill showcases a design that blends historical tribute with modern security features. Lincoln's portrait dominates on the obverse, with features similar to those of the $1 and $2 notes. On the other side is a detailed engraving of the Lincoln Memorial, the iconic monument in Washington D.C. dedicated to the president.

$10 Note - Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father whose contributions extend beyond serving as a president, is featured on the $10 note. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton played a critical role in shaping the young nation's financial system. Following the Revolutionary War, the fledgling United States faced an enormous debt burden. Through his economic policies, Hamilton established a national bank, a mint, and a system for collecting taxes. He championed the idea of a robust federal government and public credit, arguing these were essential for a stable and prosperous nation. His vision laid the foundation for the US economic system that continues to function today. Despite lacking a presidential title, Hamilton's brilliance and leadership in establishing financial stability earned him a prominent place among America's historical figures. Interestingly, Hamilton's image graces more US currency than any other historical figure, a testament to his enduring legacy.

Victory over Britain in the Revolutionary War came at a steep financial cost. Lacking the power to tax, the Continental Congress funded the war by printing money and securing loans from France, Spain and the Netherlands, resulting in massive inflation.

Following the war, the newly formed United States inherited this debt. Individual states, burdened by their own debts, were hesitant to contribute to a national solution. The collective debt crisis fueled economic hardship and social unrest, ultimately pressuring the states to convene and establish a stronger federal government under the Constitution. As the first Secretary of the Treasury, Hamilton worked to establish the First Bank of the United States and supported the Jay Treaty to establish good economic relations between the USA and the British Empire.

On the reverse, a detailed engraving of the US Treasury Building is displayed, symbolising the department Hamilton led.

$20 Note - Andrew Jackson

The face on the $20 bill is that of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Jackson's legacy is complex and often debated by historians. A celebrated military hero, he led the American victory at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. This triumph propelled him to national fame and ultimately paved the way for his presidency (1829-1837). As president, Jackson championed the concept of the common man and expanded voting rights for white males. However, his administration was also marked by controversy. He forcefully relocated Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, a policy that caused immense suffering. Furthermore, he strengthened the power of the presidency and clashed with the national bank, creating a lasting impact.

Turn over the $20 note and you'll find an engraving of the White House, the official residence of the US presidents since 1792.

Construction of the White House began in 1792, designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban. Though President George Washington oversaw the project, he never lived there. The first resident was John Adams, who moved in on 1st November 1800. During the War of 1812, the British set the presidential residence alight, leaving only fragile exterior walls. Rebuilt by Hoban, it was nicknamed the President's House for much of the 19th century. President Theodore Roosevelt officially designated it as the White House in 1901. Over the years, presidents have made changes and additions, reflecting their styles and the evolving needs of the presidency. President Truman, perhaps most notably, embarked on an extensive reconstruction of the building in 1948 after decades of poor maintenance. His project involved a complete tear-out of the property's interiors, reinforcing the exterior structure and installing air conditioning and plant rooms.

$50 Note - Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States, graces the $50 banknote. Grant's legacy is deeply intertwined with two of the most pivotal moments in American history: the Civil War and Reconstruction. As a brilliant military leader, he rose through the ranks of the Union Army during the Civil War. His strategic victories, particularly at Vicksburg and Gettysburg, proved instrumental in the Union's ultimate triumph. Following the war, Grant assumed the presidency (1869-1877). Reconstruction, the challenging task of reuniting a fractured nation, fell on his shoulders. While Grant championed civil rights for African Americans, the era was marked by political corruption and economic hardship. Despite these complexities, Grant's leadership during wartime and his commitment to racial equality solidify his place as a significant figure in American history.

A subtle, stylised blue and red background image of the American flag flanks Grant's portrait. On the reverse is an engraving of the United States Capitol building, the seat of American Congress.

The US Capitol Building has served as the seat of the United States Congress since 1800. Construction began in 1793 on Jenkins Hill (now Capitol Hill) following a design competition won by William Thornton. Early construction was slow and faced setbacks. The building was partially burned by British troops in 1814 during the War of 1812 but was subsequently rebuilt. The iconic dome, designed by Thomas Walter, was completed in 1866, a symbol of national resilience after the Civil War.

$100 Note - Benjamin Franklin

The face on the $100 bill is Benjamin Franklin, a true polymath who left an indelible mark on American history. Unlike the presidents who grace most US currency, Franklin wasn't a wartime leader or a chief executive. His influence transcended a single role. He was a scientist, inventor, writer, diplomat, and philosopher whose contributions continue to resonate today.

His scientific experiments led to groundbreaking inventions like the lightning rod and bifocal glasses. His wit and wisdom shone through in his writings, including the influential Poor Richard's Almanack. As a political thinker, he played a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and later helped secure French support during the Revolutionary War.

Franklin's image on the $100 bill serves as a constant reminder of the importance of intellectual curiosity, civic virtue, and the pursuit of knowledge. He embodies the American ideal of a self-made man who used his talents for the betterment of his nation.

On the other side is Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence.

Standing tall in Philadelphia, Independence Hall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cornerstone of American history. Built between 1732 and 1753, it originally served as the Pennsylvania State House. However, its legacy is forever tied to two pivotal events that shaped the United States.

In 1776, the Second Continental Congress convened in Independence Hall and adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document that boldly declared America's separation from Great Britain. Eleven years later, in the same chamber, delegates to the Constitutional Convention debated and drafted the United States Constitution, the nation's enduring framework of government.

Ben Tully

Visual Design & Content Creation

Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.

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