1950 20 Dollar Bill Without In God We Trust
Introduction
Did you know that the 1950 $20 bill did not have the words "In God We Trust" on it? This was because the phrase was not added to United States currency until 1957. In this article, we will explore the history of the $20 bill and why the motto was eventually added.
The History of the $20 Bill
The $20 bill has been in circulation since the late 1700s, but it has undergone many changes over the years. The first $20 bills were issued as "Continental Currency" during the American Revolution. These bills were not very valuable because they were not backed by gold or silver.
In the early 1900s, the $20 bill featured a portrait of President Andrew Jackson. This design remained in place until the 1928 series, when the portrait was replaced with one of President Grover Cleveland.
The 1950 series of $20 bills featured a portrait of President Andrew Jackson once again. However, this time the bill did not have the words "In God We Trust" on it.
Why Was "In God We Trust" Added to U.S. Currency?
The phrase "In God We Trust" has a long history in the United States. It first appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War, but it was not added to paper currency until much later.
In 1955, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law that required "In God We Trust" to be printed on all U.S. currency. The motto was added to the $1 bill in 1957, and it has since been included on all U.S. paper currency.
The addition of "In God We Trust" to U.S. currency was controversial at the time. Some argued that it violated the separation of church and state, while others believed that it was a necessary affirmation of America's religious heritage.
Collecting 1950 $20 Bills Without "In God We Trust"
If you are a collector of U.S. currency, you may be interested in acquiring a 1950 $20 bill without the words "In God We Trust." These bills are not particularly rare, but they can be difficult to find in good condition.
When purchasing an old bill like this, it is important to check for signs of wear and tear. Look for folds, creases, and discoloration, as these can all affect the value of the bill.
Conclusion
The 1950 $20 bill without "In God We Trust" is an interesting piece of U.S. currency history. While it may not be as valuable as some other old bills, it is still a unique and collectible item. Whether you are a collector or just interested in the history of U.S. currency, the 1950 $20 bill is definitely worth learning more about.