Why is Benjamin Franklin the only person on money that has not been a president ?

Question

American History

Answer 1

Other answers have properly indicated that he isn't the only non-president on U.S. currency. As to why he is on the $100 note (as well as the half-dollar before Kennedy), it's due to his rather unique role in American history.

Benjamin Franklin was something of a Renaissance man. He was a printer, a humourist, an inventor, a scientist, a diplomat, a philosopher (of sorts), and pretty much the most revered man to have signed both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. It was probably because of him that the thirteen colonies united to overthrow British rule instead of fighting for each state on their own. He foresaw the coming-together of the colonies 25 years before the Revolutionary War. (He had a common defence against New France in mind, but it was applicable against the British throne.)

A number of historians have exerted that he might have been the first true American in terms of thought and demeanor. Indeed, if he had been younger, he might have been considered for the role of president. (He was 82 during the Constitutional Convention.)

In short, he is considered one of the finest citizens that the U.S. has ever had. What better way to honour him than to have his portrait on our currency.

Answer 2

Why were certain individuals chosen to be pictured on our paper currency?

As with our nation's coinage, the Secretary of the Treasury usually selects the designs shown on United States currency. Unless specified by an Act of Congress, the Secretary generally has the final approval. This is done with the advice of Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) officials. In addition, the Commission on Fine Arts reviews all of the designs.

The law prohibits portraits of living persons from appearing on Government Securities. Therefore, the portraits on our currency notes are of deceased persons whose places in history the American people know well.

The basic face and back designs of all denominations of our paper currency in circulation today were selected in 1928, although they were modified to improve security against counterfeiting starting in 1996. A committee appointed to study such matters made those choices. The only exception is the reverse design of the one-dollar bill. Unfortunately, however, our records do not suggest why certain Presidents and statesmen were chosen for specific denominations.

Answer 3

Christian Chick.....have you ever not in any respect heard of Alexander Hamilton? i'm really particular he's on a $20 and that i'm also really particular he changed into not in any respect a president (he changed into although the first Secretary of the Treasury). As to reliable previous Ben Franklin....he changed into 80 4 years previous when we had our first election....also he changed into 80 4 even as he died....i'm not particular he supported George Washington....yet he did not run adversarial to him. And by using how, George Washington did not have a political celebration both....he's the in ordinary words president now to not be affiliated with a celebration (Franklin changed into lifeless beforehand we had political events interior of america)

Answer 4

He's not--Alexander Hamilton is on the $10.00 bill. He was the first Secretary of the Treasury. Susan B. Anthony was on the silver dollar, Sacajawea was on the gold dollar, and I even have a coin issued in 1893 celebrating the 1892-1893 Christopher Columbus Expedition.

Answer 5

Susan B. Anthony and Sacagawea have been on money ($1 coins).

Salmon P. Chase on the $10000 bill. John Marshall
on the $500 bill. Both no longer made.

Answer 6

He is not the only one. When was Alexander Hamilton president?

Answer 7

Because he was more intelligent than most of our presidents and deserved to be put on some money.

Answer 8

I think its because he was the first person to sign the declaration of Independance right?

Answer 9

hamilton wasnt president? uh oh i'm in trouble. he was probably one way back when.... like when those other guys who signed the constitution were president

Answer 10

ALEXANDER HAMILTON ON THE TEN DOLLAR BILL WAS NEVER PRESIDENT