The $10 bill has featured Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and a key Founding Father, since 1929. He earned this honor due to his crucial role in creating the United States’ financial system and as a primary author of the Federalist Papers. His significant contributions to early U.S. financial policies justify his image on the bill.
Why is Alexander Hamilton on the $10 dollar bill?
- Alexander Hamilton: First U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and a Founding Father.
- Financial Architect: Played a crucial role in establishing the U.S. financial system.
- Non-Presidential Honor: Unique as a non-president on U.S. currency, highlighting his exceptional contribution.
- Influential Legacy: Key author of the Federalist Papers, shaping the nation’s constitution and policies.
- Symbol of Economic Foundation: His image on the $10 bill underscores his impact on American economic history.
What else does the 10-dollar bill feature?
The $10 bill blends historical significance and modern security features, each element telling a part of the nation’s story.
Front (Obverse)
- Portrait: Showcases Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.
- Symbols: Features two renditions of the Statue of Liberty’s torch and the phrase “We the People.”
- Design Elements: Intricate patterns and decorative elements surround the portrait and inscriptions.
Back (Reverse)
- Main Image: Displays the U.S. Treasury Building.
- Color Scheme: Incorporates subtle shades of orange, yellow, and red.
- Inscriptions: Includes “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN DOLLARS.”
Security Features
- Watermark: A faint image of Hamilton, visible on both sides when held to light.
- Security Thread: Embedded thread to the right of the portrait shows “USA TEN” and a flag, glowing orange under UV light.
- Color-Shifting Ink: When tilted, the numeral 10 in the lower right corner changes color from copper to green.
Historical Evolution of the $10 Bill
- Initial Introduction: The U.S. Treasury first issued the $10 bill as a Demand Note in 1861, featuring Abraham Lincoln.
- Early Changes: The design underwent several updates in the following years. Notably, in 1869, the bill featured Daniel Webster and a vignette of Pocahontas.
- Design Evolution in the 20th Century: The bill’s design continued to evolve, reflecting changes in printing technology and aesthetics. A significant change in 1929 resized the bill to its current dimensions.
- Mid-Century Modernizations: In 1950, the bill saw updates in its design elements, enhancing both its look and security features.
- Later Additions: The motto “In God We Trust” was added in 1963, aligning with other U.S. currency. The same year marked the bill’s transition to a Federal Reserve Note.
- Current Portrait and Features: Alexander Hamilton’s portrait has been the bill’s focal point since 1929. The latest design, adopted in 2000, includes advanced security features like color-shifting ink and a watermark.
- Ongoing Evolution: Despite various redesigns and security enhancements, the $10 bill maintains key historical elements, continuing to reflect the nation’s legacy and economic history.
