The Origins of “In God We Trust”
The phrase “In God We Trust” has a rich history in the United States, with its origins dating back to the Civil War. It was first included on a U.S. coin, the two-cent piece, in 1864 to show that the country placed its trust in God during a time of national strife.
Identification of the Anomaly
Why is “In God We Trust” Sometimes Missing?
The reason “In God We Trust” is sometimes missing from $5 bills (and other bills, too) is because of a change in the government’s production process. In 2009, the Treasury Department shifted to using printing plates that didn’t include the motto.
This change was a cost-cutting measure, as the previous plates were nearing the end of their useful life, and it was more cost-effective to create new plates that were simpler in design. The decision was not intended to make a statement about religion, but simply to save money in the production process.
How to Identify a $5 Bill Without the Motto
- Series Date: The series date on the $5 bill without “In God We Trust” is usually 2009 or later.
- Serial Numbers: The serial numbers on these bills don’t include any special characters or markings to indicate that they’re missing the motto.
- Other Distinguishing Features: These bills have all the usual features of a $5 bill, including the watermark, security thread, and microprinting. The absence of “In God We Trust” is the only difference.
Potential Value and Collectibility
Value Assessment
While a $5 bill without “In God We Trust” might seem unusual or special, they don’t generally carry a premium value or are particularly sought after by collectors. This is because these bills are not errors or misprints—they were printed intentionally without the motto as part of a government policy change.-
Rarity: While these bills are not particularly rare, they are less common than bills with the motto, so they might have some appeal to collectors who value scarcity.
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Novelty: Some collectors might be interested in owning a bill with this unusual feature, especially if they are looking for bills with unique characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, while a $5 bill without “In God We Trust” may seem like a curiosity or an interesting collectible, it doesn’t carry a higher value than a standard $5 bill. Keep in mind, though, that currency collecting is a fun and varied hobby, so if you enjoy owning this bill for its uniqueness, that’s totally valid! Additional Resources If you’re interested in other ways to identify valuable currency or rare collectibles, there are plenty of resources available, like our star note lookup tool.About The Author
Hi, I’m Andrew Smith, and I’ve spent 20 years collecting and understanding currency. With a Bachelor’s in Economics from the University of Michigan, I’ve developed a deep passion for numismatics. My expertise reveals the historical and economic significance of rare coins and unique banknotes.
