If you’re interested in American currency, you may have wondered who is depicted on the $20 bill. The answer is none other than Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Jackson’s face has graced the $20 bill since 1928, replacing Grover Cleveland, who was moved to the $1,000 bill. But who was Andrew Jackson, and what is the significance of the symbols on the $20 bill?
Who is on the $20 bill?
As mentioned, Andrew Jackson is the man on the $20 bill. Jackson was a controversial figure in American history, with some hailing him as a hero and others condemning his policies and actions. Born in poverty in 1767, Jackson went on to become a successful lawyer and general before being elected president in 1828.
During his presidency, Jackson’s most notable actions included his forced relocation of Native Americans from their ancestral lands (known as the Trail of Tears) and his dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States. Despite his detractors, Jackson remains a significant figure in American history and his face continues to appear on the $20 bill.
What is the significance of the symbols on the $20 bill?
The symbols and imagery on the $20 bill have been carefully chosen to represent different aspects of American history and values. Here are a few notable examples:
- The White House: On the back of the $20 bill, you’ll see a detailed image of the White House, the official residence of the President of the United States. The inclusion of the White House symbolizes the power and authority of the American government.
- The eagle: Like many other American currency denominations, the $20 bill features a detailed image of the bald eagle. The eagle is a symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience.
- The words “In God We Trust”: Since the Civil War, the words “In God We Trust” have appeared on American currency. The inclusion of these words on the $20 bill is meant to represent the country’s religious heritage and its trust in a higher power.
What are some fun facts about the $20 bill?
Now that you know a bit more about who is on the $20 bill and what the symbols mean, let’s take a look at some interesting tidbits about the currency itself:
- There are a number of different security features on the $20 bill designed to prevent counterfeiting. These include watermarks, security threads, and special ink that changes color when the bill is tilted.
- In 2021, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to redesign the $20 bill to feature Harriet Tubman, a prominent African American abolitionist and political activist. However, the redesign has been delayed and it is unclear when (or if) it will actually happen.
- Although Andrew Jackson’s portrait has been on the $20 bill since 1928, he was not originally chosen for that denomination. In fact, when the Bureau of Engraving and Printing first began creating currency in 1862, the $20 bill featured a portrait of Alexander Hamilton.