The twenty dollar bill currently features a portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Jackson's image has appeared on the obverse side of the note since 1928, when he replaced Grover Cleveland. While Jackson remains the primary face of the note today, his presence on U.S. currency has drawn considerable debate and long-term plans are underway to update the design with a historic figure from the abolitionist movement.
History of Andrew Jackson on U.S. Currency
Andrew Jackson took office as the seventh U.S. president in 1829 and served two terms until 1837. Nearly a century later, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and a specialized committee selected his portrait for the twenty-dollar denomination. Historical records from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing suggest that currency portraits were chosen to honor foundational political leaders, though specific documentation detailing why Jackson was assigned to the twenty-dollar bill specifically remains sparse.
Before Jackson's appearance, the twenty-dollar bill featured Grover Cleveland. Over the decades, the note underwent multiple design updates to incorporate advanced anti-counterfeiting security features, such as color-shifting ink, microprinting, and hidden watermarks, while keeping Jackson's portrait on the front.
Controversy and Public Debate
Despite his historical status as a populist leader who championed the common citizen, Jackson's legacy is deeply controversial. Critics frequently point to his role in signing the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which resulted in the forced displacement of thousands of Native Americans along the Trail of Tears. These actions have fueled decades of public discussion regarding whether figures associated with human rights abuses should be honored on circulating currency.
Historians and political analysts often divided opinions on his legacy. Supporters emphasize his efforts to eliminate the national debt and his expansion of democratic participation for white men, while detractors emphasize the severe harm inflicted upon Indigenous populations.
The Planned Harriet Tubman Redesign
In recent years, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced major redesign plans for several paper denominations. Originally initiated under the Obama administration, the plan involves placing abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman on the front of the twenty-dollar bill.
Under the proposed layout, Tubman's portrait will occupy the obverse side, making her the first African American woman to be featured on U.S. paper currency. Jackson's image is expected to move to the reverse side of the bill. Treasury officials and the U.S. Department of the Treasury have faced logistical and security redesign timelines that have pushed projected circulation dates out toward the end of the decade.
Security and Design Features of Current Notes
Modern twenty-dollar bills in circulation contain sophisticated elements designed to prevent counterfeiting. Key features include:
- A watermark showing a faint image of Andrew Jackson visible from both sides when held up to light.
- A security thread embedded in the paper that glows glow-in-the-dark under ultraviolet light.
- Color-shifting ink that turns from copper to green on the numeral twenty in the bottom right corner.
- Fine-line background patterns and microprinting hidden within the borders and portrait elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Andrew Jackson first appear on the twenty-dollar bill?
Jackson's portrait was first introduced on the note in 1928, replacing Grover Cleveland.
Who was on the twenty-dollar bill before Andrew Jackson?
Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th U.S. president, appeared on the twenty-dollar bill prior to 1928.
When will Harriet Tubman appear on the twenty-dollar bill?
The Treasury has targeted future release windows around 2030 for the new design rollout, dependent on ongoing security upgrades and production schedules.
Will Andrew Jackson be completely removed from the bill?
In the proposed redesign, Jackson's image is planned to shift from the front of the bill to the back, rather than being completely removed from the currency.
