Who’s on the ___ Dollar Bill?

Understanding who appears on America’s paper currency offers a unique window into the nation’s history. Each portrait represents a figure whose leadership, innovation, or service helped shape the United States. For retirees and pre-retirees evaluating the long-term strength of the U.S. dollar and looking for ways to protect their retirement savings, knowing the history behind our currency can also serve as a reminder that paper money evolves. Its value shifts with political priorities, monetary policy, and inflation. This is one reason many investors choose to diversify with physical gold and other precious metals through a self-directed Gold IRA.

The Faces on Every U.S. Bill in Circulation

Bill Denomination Featured Historical Figure
$1 George Washington
$2 Thomas Jefferson
$5 Abraham Lincoln
$10 Alexander Hamilton
$20 Andrew Jackson
$50 Ulysses S. Grant
$100 Benjamin Franklin

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing currently issues seven paper denominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Although design updates have occurred over time, the individuals featured on these notes have remained largely unchanged since 1929 when the modern note size was established. These portraits honor influential leaders, yet they also highlight how dependent our financial system is on printed, fiat currency. For many Americans, this underscores the importance of balancing paper assets with tangible stores of value like physical gold.

Who Is on the 1 Dollar Bill?

George Washington appears on the $1 bill, and his portrait has been used on U.S. $1 notes since the 19th century, with its modern format standardized in 1929.

Who Is on the 2-Dollar Bill?

The $2 bill features Thomas Jefferson, the third President and primary author of the Declaration of Independence. Although the $2 note is still printed, it is produced in limited quantities and rarely encountered in circulation. Jefferson’s presence on the note reflects the ideals of liberty and opportunity, values that continue to inspire investors who want to safeguard their financial independence through diversified retirement strategies that include physical gold.

Who Is on the 5-Dollar Bill?

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, is the face of the $5 bill. Lincoln is honored for preserving the Union and ending slavery during the Civil War. His leadership through national turmoil is often compared to the resilience investors seek when facing modern economic uncertainty. Many savers add physical precious metals to their retirement accounts as a way to help weather such financial storms.

Who Is on the 10-Dollar Bill?

Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, appears on the $10 bill. Hamilton played a pivotal role in designing the early American financial system. While his legacy includes the foundation of today’s central banking and credit systems, many investors recognize that modern debt levels and monetary expansion can weaken paper assets. Allocating a portion of retirement savings to physical gold helps counterbalance these systemic risks.

Who Is on the 20 Dollar Bill?

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President, is featured on the $20 bill. A controversial figure, Jackson was known for his populist policies and military leadership. In recent years, proposals have emerged to update the $20 bill’s design, showing how even long-standing currency portraits can change with political and cultural shifts. This is a reminder that while currency designs may evolve, the intrinsic value of physical gold does not rely on government decisions or printing presses.

Who Is on the 50 Dollar Bill?

The $50 bill features Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War general and the 18th President. Grant is honored for his leadership in preserving national unity. His portrait symbolizes strength and stability, qualities many retirees seek in their portfolios. Physical precious metals can play a role in providing that stability because they are tangible, finite, and historically recognized as a reliable store of value.

Who Is on the 100 Dollar Bill?

Benjamin Franklin appears on the $100 bill. As a Founding Father, inventor, and statesman, Franklin contributed significantly to American political and scientific development. Today, the $100 note is the most widely circulated U.S. bill internationally. Its popularity underscores global trust in the dollar, yet rising inflation and global debt concerns continue to push many investors toward diversified assets like gold and silver.

Could Changes Be Made to Bills in the Future?

There have been ongoing discussions about updating the faces on U.S. currency. One notable proposal has involved replacing Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. While the timeline for such changes has shifted in recent years, the ongoing debate illustrates that paper currency is not fixed. It evolves with politics, culture, and economic policy. For long-term retirement planning, many investors prefer assets that do not change based on government decisions, which is why physical gold remains a popular inflation hedge.

Faces on U.S. Coins

U.S. coins also feature historic American figures. The penny features Abraham Lincoln. The nickel features Thomas Jefferson. The dime carries Franklin D. Roosevelt. The quarter features George Washington. The 50-cent piece displays John F. Kennedy. The dollar coin has featured various designs, including the well-known Sacagawea dollar. These coins remind us of the enduring stories behind America’s currency, but they also highlight the difference between symbolic faces and the real, intrinsic value found in precious metals.

Unlike paper currency and modern coins, physical gold and silver have been valued across civilizations for thousands of years. Their scarcity and intrinsic worth make them powerful tools for long-term wealth protection, especially for retirement savers worried about inflation, market volatility, and the national debt.

If you are exploring ways to strengthen your retirement strategy, American Bullion can help you roll over an IRA, 401(k), or similar account into a self-directed Gold IRA backed by physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium. Our team provides expert guidance and access to a wide range of IRS-approved precious metals designed to help preserve and grow your retirement savings.

Now is a smart time to consider diversifying with tangible assets. Investing in physical gold today can help you build a more secure financial future.



Author: Agbaje Feyisayo
Agbaje is a financial writer for American Bullion that has covered top brands such as Microsoft, Google and Johnson & Johnson.