Symbols on a U.S. Dollar Bill

A U.S. $1 bill is one of the world’s most recognizable currencies, but how closely have you looked at it? The bill features a number of unusual symbols, including an unfinished pyramid and an all-seeing eye. Although they may seem random, these motifs have deep meanings. They tell the story of the country’s history, ideals, and vision for the future. Read on to discover the symbolism in the U.S. $1 bill.

Interesting facts about the $1 bill

• Instead of a pyramid, an Egyptian pharaoh was almost added to the bill. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin wanted the Great Seal of the United States (featured on the back of the $1 bill) to depict the Israelites’ escape from Egypt via the Red Sea, which had been parted by Moses—after the Israelites safely crossed, the pursuing pharaoh and his army were overwhelmed by the sea. The biblical story was meant to convey democracy’s triumph over tyranny.
• Jefferson and Franklin also wanted to use the motto “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.” Although it did not end up on the $1 bill, the saying appeared on Jefferson’s personal seal.
• The $1 bill has undergone numerous changes over the years, but its current design dates to 1963. However, all other denominations have been redesigned multiple times since then. Why? Other bills, which are counterfeited more frequently than the $1 bill, require more updated security features.
• Franklin was not a fan of the eagle, which he called “a bird of bad moral character.” Instead, Franklin thought the turkey should be the country’s national bird. He said it was a “more respectable bird and…a true original native of America.”
• The first $1 bill was issued in 1862, during the Civil War. It featured Salmon P. Chase, the secretary of the treasury (1861–64). George Washington was not added to the bill until 1869.
• It costs less than 6 cents to produce a single $1 bill. The most expensive to make is the $50 bill, which costs almost 20 cents.
• U.S. bills are not made from paper. Instead they are 75 percent cotton and 25 percent linen.

References to 13

While many people think 13 is unlucky, the number figures prominently in the design of the $1 bill. In fact, there are at least eight references to 13. Why? The designers wanted to honor the 13 original colonies. Can you find all the references to 13? If you need any help, see the list below.

• Arrows in the eagle’s left talon
• Leaves on the olive branch in the eagle’s right talon
• Olives on the olive branch in the eagle’s right talon
• Rows in the pyramid
• Stars above the eagle
• Vertical stripes on the eagle’s shield
• Letters in “E Pluribus Unum” and in “Annuit Cœptis”