You've probably handled hundreds of $20 bills in your life. Maybe you've wondered about that stern-faced guy staring back at you? That's Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States. Honestly, I never thought much about it until my history-obsessed nephew asked me why we have a president on the twenty dollar bill who didn't even like paper money. Good question, kid.
Andrew Jackson: The Man on the Twenty
Jackson's been on the $20 since 1928. Before that, Grover Cleveland had a turn. They chose Jackson because he was this icon of the common man back in the 1800s. War hero, self-made guy, populist before populism was cool. But here's the weird part: Jackson hated centralized banking. I mean really hated it. He fought against the Second Bank of the United States, calling it a "monster." Kind of ironic we put his face on Federal Reserve notes, don't you think?
Why Jackson Got the Spot Originally
- Battle of New Orleans hero (War of 1812)
- Championed working-class Americans
- Symbol of westward expansion era
- First "log cabin" president (myth or not)
Modern Controversies
- Trail of Tears forced removal of Native Americans
- Slave plantation owner with hundreds enslaved
- Opposed paper currency - ironic placement!
The Push for Change: Enter Harriet Tubman
Back in 2015, a nonprofit called Women on 20s started stirring things up. I remember signing their online petition during lunch break. They wanted a woman on paper currency by 2020. Tubman won their public vote against Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks. Then in April 2016, the Treasury Department under Obama made it official: Harriet Tubman would replace Jackson on the $20. The reaction? Mixed. My aunt called it "political correctness gone mad." My college professor cried happy tears.
Who Was Harriet Tubman?
Born into slavery around 1822, Tubman escaped then made 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved people via the Underground Railroad. During the Civil War, she worked as armed scout and spy for the Union Army. Later she fought for women's suffrage. The woman carried a literal pistol while guiding people to freedom. Talk about badass credentials for currency.
| Harriet Tubman's Qualifications | Why It Matters for Currency |
|---|---|
| Conducted Underground Railroad rescues | Embodies courage and liberty |
| Served as Union spy and nurse | Military service connection like other bill figures |
| Advocate for women's suffrage | Represents dual civil rights struggles |
| First woman to lead armed expedition in Civil War | Undeniable historical significance |
Design and Rollout Status
The original plan had Jackson moving to the back with Tubman front and center. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing released concept art showing Tubman gazing forward with Jackson and an eagle on the reverse. Honestly? The design felt a bit crowded to me. But seeing that sketch made history feel tangible.
Current Timeline and Delays
Here's where it gets messy. The Trump administration stalled the redesign. Mnuchin claimed counterfeiting concerns needed attention first. Critics called BS - they'd been planning new security features anyway. The Biden administration restarted the project in 2021 but it's moving slower than DMV lines. Current estimate is unveiling in 2026, circulation by 2028. Why so long? I talked to a currency historian last year. Apparently redesigning money involves:
Redesign Process Challenges
- Security feature testing (18-24 months)
- Engraving plate production (300+ hours per master die)
- Vending machine industry retooling (nationwide)
- Anti-counterfeiting tech rollout coordination
Public Opinion and Controversy
Polls show about 60% support for the Tubman twenty dollar bill. But boy, does the 40% opposition get loud. I attended a town hall where folks argued it was "erasing history." Then someone pointed out we've changed currency faces 14 times since 1861. Andrew Jackson only got his spot in 1928 - not exactly sacred tradition.
Funny story: My Arkansas cousin refused to spend his Jackson twenties after the announcement. He's got about $400 in a shoebox. "Future collectibles," he claims. I told him they'll still be legal tender when Tubman bills circulate. He looked devastated.
What Travelers and Collectors Should Know
If you're holding old twenties, don't panic. Jackson bills will remain valid currency indefinitely. The transition will take years - think phased introduction like state quarters. Numismatists suggest:
| For Regular Users | For Currency Collectors |
|---|---|
| No need to hoard current $20 bills | Uncirculated Jackson bills may gain minor value |
| ATM withdrawals will mix old/new bills | First-run Tubman bills likely valuable |
| Vending machines will accept both during transition | Error bills (misprints) always increase in value |
Why This Change Actually Matters
Beyond political arguments, this redesign forces us to ask: Who gets honored as national heroes? For 230+ years, U.S. paper money featured only white men (except briefly for Martha Washington on silver certificates). Putting Harriet Tubman - a black woman born into slavery - on our most circulated bill? That's powerful symbolism. It says American heroism comes in all forms.
Common Questions About the US President on 20 Dollar Bill
Is Andrew Jackson still on the twenty dollar bill today?
Yes, as of 2023 all circulating $20 bills feature Andrew Jackson. The redesign with Harriet Tubman won't enter circulation until at least 2028.
Why was Andrew Jackson chosen originally for the twenty?
Jackson was selected in 1928 as part of a currency redesign celebrating "great Americans." His popularity as military hero and champion of common citizens earned him the spot despite his controversial history.
Will Jackson disappear completely from the twenty dollar bill?
No - current plans move Jackson to the bill's reverse (back side) alongside the White House imagery. Harriet Tubman will occupy the primary front position.
When exactly will the new Tubman twenty dollar bill be available?
The Treasury now targets 2028 for public circulation, though design unveiling might happen earlier. Production delays could push this date back further.
Are other currency changes happening besides the twenty?
Yes! The $5 and $10 bills are also getting redesigns featuring civil rights leaders at historic events, though Lincoln and Hamilton remain the primary portraits.
Why is Harriet Tubman specifically replacing the US president on twenty dollar bill?
Tubman was chosen through public campaigns and Treasury evaluation for embodying American values of freedom and courage while representing groups historically excluded from currency honor.
Will old twenties become worthless when Tubman bills appear?
Absolutely not. All US currency remains legal tender regardless of redesigns. Jackson twenties will circulate alongside Tubman bills for decades.
Has a US president on twenty dollar bill ever been replaced before?
Yes - Grover Cleveland appeared on the $20 before Jackson. Before that, various figures including Alexander Hamilton and Liberty allegories graced the denomination.
The Bigger Picture
This isn't just about swapping faces on paper. It reflects our evolving understanding of history. Jackson represented 19th century ideals - individualism, territorial expansion. Tubman represents different values: liberation, courage against oppression. Having both figures share the same bill creates this fascinating tension. Makes you wonder what future generations will change about our money.
I've started noticing how people react to twenties differently now. Some folks fold Jackson's face away deliberately. Tourists take selfies with the bill like it's already historical. Whatever your opinion, that green piece of paper sparks conversations it never did before. And isn't that what history should do?
Maybe next time you tip a server or buy coffee, look at that US president on twenty dollar bill. Consider why he's there. Imagine Tubman taking her place. Money carries stories as much as value. And our national story just got an important new chapter.
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