When Was In God We Trust Added to Currency?
The history of “In God We Trust” on American money has gotten complicated with all the historical debates, legal challenges, and timeline confusion flying around. As someone who has researched this topic extensively for numismatic presentations, I learned everything there is to know about this motto’s journey onto our coins and bills. Today, I will share it all with you.
First Appearance
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—the motto first appeared on the 1864 two-cent piece during the Civil War. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase directed the Mint to add religious sentiment to coinage after receiving public appeals.
Expansion on Coins
That’s what makes the motto’s history endearing to us numismatists—it wasn’t consistent:
- 1864: First appeared on two-cent piece
- 1866: Added to other denominations
- 1907-1908: Removed from gold coins by Roosevelt (Congress restored it)
- Appeared and disappeared based on design changes
Paper Currency
Paper money didn’t get the motto until 1957, following 1956 legislation requiring it on all currency. Cold War anti-Communist sentiment drove this expansion—contrasting American religiosity with Soviet atheism.
National Motto Status
On July 30, 1956, President Eisenhower signed legislation making “In God We Trust” the official national motto, replacing the de facto “E Pluribus Unum.”
Legal Challenges
Courts have consistently upheld the motto, characterizing it as ceremonial deism rather than religious endorsement. It remains on all U.S. currency today.
