What phrase was first printed on American paper money in 1957?

The first paper currency bearing the motto entered circulation on October 1, 1957.

A specific law was passed in a Joint Resolution by the 84th Congress (P.L. 84-140) and approved by President Dwight Eisenhower in July 1956. This law declared "In God We Trust" must henceforth appear on paper currency printed the United States of American.

Concerning the following phrases, E Pluribus Unum, Annuit Coeptis, and Novus Ordo Seclorum respectively, their meanings are: "Out of many, one" (it is the motto carried in the beak of the bald eagle on the Great Seal of U.S.), "Favor our undertakings" (these are words in the motto on the reverse of America's Great Seal), and "A new order of the ages" (also part of the motto involved in the design of the Great Seal of U.S.).

The phrases and mottos which have previously been mentioned refer to the fact that America is a cohesive single nation that resulted when thirteen smaller colonies dared to join together to begin a new free nation hopefully blessed and recognized by God.

More Info: coinsite.com

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55 Comments

segarolow

Got it! And in God I trust! 100%.

Raymond Villamor

I was nine yrs old at the time. All I really remember about it was that my mom and dad had completely different views on the subject, the separation of church and state, and the question of which god was being worshiped.

ninakamwene

Got it, and thank you for the lesson on US money in Latin.

brezza marina

Independently of the believes of each citizen, it is a return to medieval times. Where is the freedom of religion and the separation of church and government? I believe that it is a violation of the constitution every time the president says "god bless america", or "help me god" in all the swearing-ins.

bbbuckshot

I like to think they mean Jehovah, the God of the Bible, our one and only creator.

kathyrobertson

And it is still on the money today because it is true God is grate and the only one we should trust

donnabenson

I hate the 30 se3cond time limit because my computer won't scroll most of the time so it takes me3 all that time to scroll down to hit the button for "Next Question >>" Why should a fault of your own device give you a disadvantage? I've had a few marked wrong because it wouldn't scroll down fast enough! THAT is just WRONG!

Marie Mastrain Suppa

Nailed it

sycored

In God We Trust should be removed from our money. Seperation of church and state, to be fair to all Americans.

onlysucces

Than you I learned something new today. Thanks to you.

Perry Davis

michellerose, get over yourself

Roger L. Moore

salanthier, Why!

Mskathy

I remember that one from elementary school. I can't remember yesterday, though. LOL. Where are my car keys?!

James Henslee

Many Americans believe the phrase " In God We Trust" has ALWAYS been on American Currency. Not knowing that it was Federally Approved only around 60 years ago. Good Question.