In God We Trust Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about The American Dollar

In God We Trust Day, observed on April 22, originated from a law enacted by the U.S. Congress to engrave the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. coins. The United States Congress passed a law authorising “In God We Trust” to appear on U.S. coins on April 22, 1864. From 1864 to 1938, it appeared on numerous U.S. coins for varying lengths of time. Since 1909, it has appeared on the penny, since 1916 on the dime, and since 1908 on all gold coins, silver dollars, half dollars, and quarter-dollar coins. In addition to being the official motto of the United States, ‘In God We Trust’ can be found in the majority of federal institutions.

The background of In God We Trust Day

The United States’ official motto is “In God We Trust.” The U.S. Congress adopted the phrase in 1956, replacing ‘E Pluribus Unum,’ which had been the motto since 1776, when the Great Seal of the United States was first designed. The origins of this phrase as a political slogan trace back to the American Civil War, when Union supporters sought to strengthen their faith in God and boost their morale for the upcoming battle. In 1864, the phrase ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ appeared for the first time on a two-cent piece; it has also appeared on paper currency since 1957 and on numerous postage stamps since 1954.

In July 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law a joint resolution of the 84th Congress mandating the inscription “In God We Trust” on all U.S. currency. It was first utilised on paper currency two years after the law was passed. Later, on July 30, 1956, Congress would adopt a follow-up law, also signed by President Eisenhower, declaring the phrase the national motto. This provision has also been approved for use in public institutions or schools, and the states of Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi have incorporated it into some of their state symbols. The motto is also featured on the coins of other nations, such as Nicaragua.

The motto ‘In God We Trust’ remains prevalent in the United States. 53% of students, according to a 2019 survey conducted by “College Pulse,” supported the inclusion of the phrase “In God We Trust” on U.S. currency.

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5 Interesting Facts About the American Dollar

Martha Wright is the only woman depicted on a United States dollar note.

In 1792, the first American coins were struck.

Paper banknotes are typically soiled due to the material they are made of and the frequency with which they change hands.

About 90% of American dollar bills contain cocaine residue, according to lab tests.

The highest denomination of a dollar bill ever in circulation was a $10,000 banknote, which may sound absurd now.

IN GOD WE TRUST DAY DATES