The face of the $20 bill in your wallet might be something you glance at regularly, but have you ever wondered about the person featured on this U.S. currency? The identity of the figure on the $20 bill has sparked much discussion over the years, especially as the bill itself has evolved and changed in design. So, who is on the 20 Dollar Bill?
Currently, the $20 bill features Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. His image has graced the front of this bill since 1929, although this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, Andrew Jackson’s portrait is not the first to appear on the twenty dollar bill.
However, Jackson’s association with the bill has made him an iconic figure on American currency, symbolizing a particular era of American history.
Let’s take a closer look at the story behind the 20 dollar bill and its famous face.
Who Is Andrew Jackson?
Andrew Jackson, born in 1767, served as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837. Known for his strong-willed leadership, Jackson was a polarizing figure in American history. His political career included roles as a general in the U.S. Army before he became president, which helped bolster his popularity among common Americans.
Jackson’s presidency is often remembered for his staunch stance against what he saw as the power of elites and the corruption of a centralized banking system.
Despite Jackson’s popularity, his legacy is controversial. He was a fierce defender of slavery, and his policies regarding Native American removal led to the tragic forced relocation of tens of thousands of Native Americans, known as the “Trail of Tears.”
This aspect of his presidency has prompted some to question his place on the currency. Nevertheless, Jackson’s image has remained on the $20 bill for decades, starting with the redesign of the currency in 1929.
Why Is Andrew Jackson on the $20 Bill?
When the U.S. Treasury decided to redesign the currency in 1928, Andrew Jackson was chosen to appear on the twenty dollar bill. His selection was largely due to his widespread popularity and his appeal to the “common man.”
Jackson had a reputation for opposing the establishment and for standing up for the ordinary citizen, which resonated with many Americans during his era and continued long after his presidency.
However, there is some irony in the choice. Andrew Jackson himself was vehemently opposed to paper money and the idea of a central banking system, which made his appearance on the $20 bill quite the contradiction. Despite this, Jackson’s figure became iconic, and his face has continued to represent the 20 dollar bill for nearly a century.
Changes to the $20 Bill: The Proposed Harriet Tubman Redesign
In 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced plans to redesign the $20 bill, with the intention of replacing Andrew Jackson’s portrait with that of Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad who played a pivotal role in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
This move was meant to commemorate Tubman’s significant contributions to American history and also to address calls for more diverse representation on U.S. currency.
The change was originally set to be unveiled in 2020, marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. However, the release of the new bill has been delayed, and it is now expected that the Harriet Tubman 20 dollar bill might not be in circulation until around 2030.
This proposed change has sparked ongoing debates. Many people have voiced support for putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, while others argue for keeping Jackson due to his historical significance.
The controversy surrounding this issue reflects broader conversations about how history is commemorated and whose legacy is represented in U.S. currency.
The History of the Twenty Dollar Bill
Before Andrew Jackson appeared on the $20 bill, the design of this currency featured several other notable historical figures. Throughout the years, the U.S. Treasury issued various designs for the twenty dollar bill, featuring presidents and influential leaders.
For example, earlier versions of the $20 bill showcased figures such as Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, and other historical figures like Alexander Hamilton, Abraham Lincoln, and Stephen Decatur.
However, Jackson’s portrait replaced Grover Cleveland’s after 1928, and it has remained a fixture on the bill ever since.
Jackson’s portrait is featured on the obverse side of the *twenty dollar bill*, while the reverse side displays the White House. The design has undergone a few updates over the years, including adjustments to the bill’s security features and anti-counterfeiting measures.
Controversies and Criticisms of Andrew Jackson’s Legacy
As mentioned earlier, Andrew Jackson’s legacy is marred by his policies regarding Native Americans and slavery, which have led many to question whether his continued presence on the 20 dollar bill is appropriate.
Jackson’s role in forcibly relocating Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, and others, during the 1830s remains a dark chapter in U.S. history. His administration’s actions caused the deaths of thousands of Native Americans, making the “Trail of Tears” one of the most tragic events in the nation’s past.
Additionally, Jackson’s staunch defense of slavery and his ownership of enslaved people have sparked significant criticism, especially in recent years as Americans reassess the legacies of historical figures. Some people argue that Jackson’s image on the 20 dollar bill is a reminder of a painful and divisive history that should be acknowledged but not glorified.
Alternatives to Andrew Jackson: The Case for Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman, the proposed new face of the *20 dollar bill*, stands as a powerful counterpoint to Jackson’s legacy. Tubman’s life story is one of courage, resilience, and activism. She was born into slavery but escaped and later risked her life to lead hundreds of enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Replacing Jackson with Tubman would mark a significant shift in the way the U.S. recognizes its history, highlighting the achievements of a Black woman who fought for freedom and equality. Tubman’s addition to the *$20 bill* would be a historic first—she would be the first Black woman to appear on U.S. paper currency.
The Debate Over Representation in U.S. Currency
The ongoing discussions about replacing Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman reflect broader debates about representation on U.S. currency. While Jackson’s legacy is undoubtedly significant in many ways, it is also essential to consider whose contributions are being honored and how that reflects the diversity of the American experience.
Calls for more inclusive representation on U.S. currency are part of a larger movement for racial equality, gender representation, and recognition of marginalized voices in American history. Harriet Tubman, along with other figures such as Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks, is a symbol of that push for greater representation and recognition.
Conclusion: Who Is on the 20 Dollar Bill?
So, who is on the 20 dollar bill? As of today, it’s Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, whose portrait has been featured on the bill since 1929. Jackson’s legacy is a complex one, marked by both significant accomplishments and controversial policies. His image on the twenty dollar bill has stood for nearly a century, but discussions about replacing him with Harriet Tubman have sparked ongoing debates about representation in American history.
The decision to replace Jackson with Tubman is still in the works, and we may not see the new design until 2030. Regardless of what happens in the future, the face on the 20 dollar bill serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving narrative of the United States and the people who shaped its history.
As we look forward to the possibility of a new face on the 20 dollar bill, we can reflect on the importance of understanding the figures we honor and the history they represent. Whether it’s Jackson, Tubman, or someone else, the $20 bill will continue to be more than just a piece of currency—it will be a symbol of America’s past and future.