When Was In God We Trust Added To Money?
Posted by Andrew Adamo on May 23rd 2024
US Coins History: "In God We Trust"
Coined as the official motto of the United States in 1956, the phrase “In God We Trust” appeared on U.S. currency in 1864. It replaced “E Pluribus Unum,” which meant “Out of Many, Few.” Despite the controversy, it remains a powerful symbol of American history and values. Let's dive into the US Coins History, keep reading to learn more about In God We Trust on money!
The History of ‘In God We Trust’
This motto has a long history, dating back to Francis Scott Key in his 1841 poem, “Defense of Fort McHenry, although you might know him better as the one who wrote what would become “The Star Spangled Banner.”
“In God We Trust” has been an essential motto in American history, appearing in U.S. currency and other official contexts. The phrase “In God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coins on April 22, 1864, passed by Congress during the Civil War. This phrase was a reflection of the religious sentiment of many Americans at that time.
Over time, the phrase has come to symbolize the idea of American patriotism and values. It was added to the Pledge of Allegiance, symbolizing faith, trust, and unity. Many in America have embraced it as a reminder of the country’s religious and moral foundation and a way of expressing their faith and belief in a higher power.
Despite its widespread use, the phrase has been controversial over the years, with some arguing that it violates the separation of church and state, the First Amendment, and excludes non-religious Americans. However, the term remains a powerful symbol of American history.
U.S. Coins During the Civil War
During the Civil War, the United States faced significant economic challenges, including a shortage of coins in circulation. To address this issue, Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the U.S. Congress looked to solve this issue.
Together, they authorized the issuance of paper currency, known as “greenbacks,” for the first time in 1862. This was called the Coinage Act.
Many Americans were skeptical of paper currency then and preferred to use coins made of precious metals like gold and silver. In response to this demand, the U.S. Mint began producing new Civil War coins, including the two-cent piece in 1864 and the three-cent nickel in 1865.
Creation of a Motto
After pleading from a reverend named M.R. Watkinson of Pennsylvania, Chase teamed up with James Pollock (Director of the Philadelphia Mint). They came up with a few different sayings, landing on “In God We Trust.”
The phrase “In God We Trust” first appeared on U.S. coins during this period. The term was first used on the two-cent piece in 1864 and later appeared on other coins, starting with the one-dollar silver certificate. It then moved to the dollar coins, half dollars, quarter dollars, quarters, and dimes. Interestingly, the motto left the five-cent coin in 1883 and then came back with the Jefferson nickel in 1938.
The addition of the phrase was motivated by a desire to express religious faith and patriotism amid the Civil War. At the time, many Americans believed that the country’s survival depended on the favor of God, and the phrase was seen as a way of acknowledging this belief.
The use of the phrase on U.S. coins continued after the Civil War and was officially adopted as the national motto as an act of Congress in 1956. It was a favorite sentiment of President Theodore Roosevelt, who thought it would discourage people from using the coins to gamble or buy alcohol.
Today, it continues to appear on U.S. coins and currency, as well as on government buildings and documents.
The Cold War and its Effect on AmericanCoinage
During the Cold War, the United States faced a tense and protracted conflict with the Soviet Union that lasted from the late 1940s until the early 1990s. The Cold War significantly impacted Americancoinage in terms of the design and composition of coins.
One of the main effects of the Cold War on Americancoinage was the shift towards using non-precious metals in coin production. In the 1960s, the cost of producing silver coins became prohibitive as the price of silver rose dramatically due to increased demand and limited supply. In response, the U.S. Mint began producing coins made of base metals like copper and nickel.
Another effect of the Cold War on Americancoinage was the adoption of new designs that reflected American values and patriotism. For example, the Kennedy half-dollar first minted in 1964, featured a portrait of President John F. Kennedy, who symbolized American strength and resilience during the early years of the Cold War.
In addition to new designs, the director of the Mint produced unique commemorative national coins that celebrated events and figures in American history, including military heroes and space exploration. These coins were often popular with collectors and helped to reinforce American values and pride in the face of the Soviet threat.
Overall, the Cold War significantly impacted Americancoinage, shaping the design and composition of coins during this period. While the conflict has long since ended, the coins produced during this time continue to be valued by coin collectors and historians alike as important artifacts of American history.
When Was “In God We Trust” Added to Coins?
“In God We Trust” was first added to U.S. coins in 1864, during the Civil War. The phrase originally appeared on the two-cent coin introduced that year. Later, in 1865, the term was added to other U.S. currencies, including the silver dollar, the half dollar, the quarter, and the dime.
When Was “In God We Trust” Added to Paper Money?
Over time, the use of the phrase on U.S. paper currency became more widespread, and it was added to various denominations of bills, including the one-dollar bill, five-dollar bill, and ten-dollar bill.
On July 30, 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law the establishment of “In God We Trust” as our national motto. In 1957, U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution requiring that the phrase appears on all U.S. paper currency.
When Was “In God We Trust” Added to Gold and Silver Coins?
“In God We Trust” was first added to U.S. gold and silver coins during the Civil War. The phrase first appeared on the 1864 two-cent piece, made of copper, and later appeared on the silver dollar, half a dollar, quarter, and dime.
In the early 1900s, the phrase was temporarily removed from U.S. gold coins due to a law requiring redesign. The redesigned coins, introduced in 1907, featured a new design by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens but did not include the phrase “In God We Trust.”
However, the term was eventually restored to the U.S. gold coins, starting with the 1908 Indian Head $2.50 and $5 gold coins. From then on, it appeared on all U.S. gold and silver coins.
Valuable Coins Without the National Motto
Many valuable U.S. coins do not feature the national motto “In God We Trust.” Some examples include the following:
- 1793 Chain Cent: This is one of the first coins struck by the United States Mint, and it features a chain design on the reverse side. It was produced before the national motto was adopted. Therefore, it is highly sought after by collectors and can be worth several thousand dollars or more.
- 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter: Hermon MacNeil designed this coin, which depicts Lady Liberty on the obverse side. The original design did not include the national motto, but it was added in later years. The 1916 version without the slogan is precious and sells for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
- 1937-D Three-Legged Buffalo Nickel: This unique error coin resulted from the die polishing process at the Denver Mint. The buffalo on the reverse side has only three legs, and the coin does not feature the national motto.
Coin Collectors: Resources
In summary, the phrase “In God We Trust” was first added to U.S. coins during the Civil War in 1864. Adding the words to U.S. coins was motivated by a desire to express religious faith and patriotism.
Today, “In God We Trust” continues to appear on U.S. coins, as well as on U.S. paper currency and other official documents. While the phrase has been controversial over the years, it remains an important symbol of American values and beliefs.
For coin collectors desiring more information and resources on Historical coinage, visit us at Bullion Shark today.
Sources:
IN GOD WE TRUST DAY - April 22, 2024 | National Today
Historical analysis of the Cold War | E History | The Ohio State University
Why is ‘In God we trust’ the motto of the USA, what is its origin and meaning? | AS
Why was the phrase "E Pluribus Unum" replaced with "In God We Trust" as the national motto?
The phrase "E Pluribus Unum," meaning "Out of Many, One," was the de facto motto of the United States, emphasizing unity and the coming together of different states and peoples to form one nation. However, during the 1950s, a period marked by the Cold War and a heightened sense of patriotism and religious sentiment, there was a movement to formally adopt "In God We Trust" as the national motto. This shift was largely influenced by the desire to distinguish the United States from the atheistic ideologies of the Soviet Union. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed into law a bill that established "In God We Trust" as the official national motto. This decision was intended to reflect the religious heritage and faith of the American people and to underscore the nation's belief in a higher power.
What was the public reaction when "In God We Trust" was first introduced on U.S. coins?
When "In God We Trust" was first introduced on U.S. coins in 1864, the public reaction was generally positive, reflecting the widespread religious sentiment of the time. The Civil War era was a period of significant turmoil and uncertainty, and many Americans turned to their faith for comfort and guidance. The inclusion of the motto on coins was seen as an affirmation of the nation's reliance on divine providence during a critical period in its history. Although the change was well-received by many, there were also some dissenting voices concerned about the mingling of church and state. However, these concerns were largely overshadowed by the broader acceptance and support for the motto, which was seen as a patriotic and unifying symbol.
How has the controversy over "In God We Trust" evolved over the years, and what are some of the major legal challenges it has faced?
The controversy over "In God We Trust" has evolved significantly since its introduction. Initially, the phrase was widely accepted, but as the nation grew more diverse and the principle of separation of church and state became more rigorously debated, the motto faced increased scrutiny. Over the years, there have been several legal challenges questioning the constitutionality of the phrase on currency, arguing that it violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from endorsing a particular religion. One of the notable cases was Aronow v. United States (1970), where the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the motto's use on currency was constitutional and did not violate the Establishment Clause because it had a secular, patriotic purpose. Another significant case was Newdow v. Congress (2004), in which Michael Newdow argued that the motto on currency was a government endorsement of religion. The courts, however, have consistently upheld the use of "In God We Trust" on the grounds that it is a part of the nation's historical and cultural heritage, serving a ceremonial and patriotic function rather than a strictly religious one. Despite ongoing debates and legal challenges, "In God We Trust" remains a prominent and enduring symbol on U.S. currency.
FAQ
When was "In God We Trust" first added to U.S. coins?
"In God We Trust" was first added to U.S. coins in 1864 during the Civil War. The phrase appeared on the two-cent piece.
Why was "In God We Trust" added to U.S. currency?
The phrase was added to U.S. currency to reflect the religious sentiment prevalent during the Civil War and to acknowledge the belief that the nation's survival depended on divine providence.
Who was responsible for the addition of "In God We Trust" to U.S. coins?
Salmon P. Chase, the Secretary of the Treasury, along with James Pollock, Director of the Philadelphia Mint, were instrumental in adding "In God We Trust" to U.S. coins.
When did "In God We Trust" become the national motto of the United States?
"In God We Trust" became the official national motto of the United States on July 30, 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law.
Has "In God We Trust" ever been removed from U.S. coins?
Yes, the phrase was temporarily removed from U.S. gold coins due to a redesign in 1907. It was restored to gold coins starting in 1908 with the Indian Head $2.50 and $5 gold coins.
Is "In God We Trust" on all U.S. paper currency?
Yes, following a law passed by Congress in 1957, "In God We Trust" has appeared on all U.S. paper currency.
What was the first paper currency to feature "In God We Trust"?
The first paper currency to feature "In God We Trust" was the one-dollar silver certificate, starting in 1957.
What are some of the legal challenges against "In God We Trust" on money?
Legal challenges against "In God We Trust" on money have argued that it violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. Notable cases include Aronow v. United States (1970) and Newdow v. Congress (2004), both of which upheld the motto's constitutionality.
Why do some people oppose "In God We Trust" on U.S. currency?
Opponents argue that "In God We Trust" violates the separation of church and state and excludes non-religious Americans and those of different faiths, asserting that it endorses a specific religious belief.
Does "In God We Trust" appear on all U.S. coins today?
Yes, "In God We Trust" appears on all U.S. coins currently in circulation. This includes pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins.