When Was the U.S. Dollar Bill Designed?
The one dollar bill has seen many changes in its design since its appearance during the Civil War. Its design has also sparked controversy, change and interest in the American public that uses it everyday to pay for purchases.
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History
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Designed in 1862, the first legal tender dollar bill sported a portrait of Salmon Chase, then Secretary of the Treasury. George Washington did not make his debut on the dollar bill until 1869, when his portrait was released on the bills.
Choosing the Design
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Featured as a portrait on a dollar bill, similar to other paper currency, a committee under the Secretary of the Treasury picked those felt to be the most prominent and easy to recognize for the U.S. public. In 1929, the bills were made smaller and the portraits found today on the dollar bill were chosen. These decisions later passed to the Secretary of Treasury.
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In God We Trust
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Controversial to many, the national motto's appearance on dollar bills was first passed into law in 1957 and printed permanently on the bills after 1966. Though it is still challenged in court, the words continue to appear on the currency with the support of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Production of Design
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From the first dollar bills made to the ones now used, design work is still done by hand for portraits, lettering and other parts of the design on pliable steel that becomes a master die. The bill then goes through a 65-step process that makes sure our dollars are defect free and perfect in design.
Future
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The design of the dollar bill continues to change from its first origins in response to the changing needs of society and challenges presented to the Treasury Department. Forgery has caused the design of the bill to become more complex to prevent copying. The talented engravers and employees of the Treasury Department are clearly up to this design challenge.
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