The Back Of An Old 20 Dollar Bill
Introduction
Have you ever taken a closer look at the back of an old 20 dollar bill? If not, you might be missing out on some interesting details. The back of the bill features a scene that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. However, there's more to it than just that. In this article, we will take a closer look at the back of an old 20 dollar bill and explore its history and significance.
The Scene
The scene depicted on the back of the 20 dollar bill is known as the "Declaration of Independence." It was painted by John Trumbull in 1818 and shows the moment when the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Continental Congress for signature. The scene is filled with historical figures, including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
The Significance
The scene on the back of the 20 dollar bill is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was a pivotal moment in American history. The document declared the United States' independence from Great Britain, and paved the way for the formation of a new nation. Secondly, the painting was created by John Trumbull, who was an American artist and a veteran of the Revolutionary War. Trumbull fought in several battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill, and later became a prominent painter of historical scenes.
The Details
When you take a closer look at the scene on the back of the 20 dollar bill, you'll notice several interesting details. For example, John Adams is shown standing to the right of the table, while Thomas Jefferson is standing to the left. Benjamin Franklin is also present, seated in the front row. However, not all of the figures in the painting were actually present at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. For example, John Hancock, who was the first person to sign the document, is not shown in the scene.
The Architecture
Another interesting aspect of the scene on the back of the 20 dollar bill is the architecture in the background. The building shown is Independence Hall, which is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed. The building is considered a National Historic Landmark and is open to visitors.
The Currency
The 20 dollar bill has gone through several design changes over the years. The current design features a portrait of Andrew Jackson on the front, and the scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. However, older versions of the bill featured different designs. For example, the Series 1914 bill featured a portrait of Grover Cleveland on the front, and a scene of the Mississippi River on the back.
Conclusion
The back of an old 20 dollar bill is more than just a piece of currency. It's a piece of American history, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of a new nation. The scene on the back of the bill is filled with interesting details, from the historical figures present to the architecture in the background. So, the next time you come across an old 20 dollar bill, take a moment to appreciate the history and significance behind it.