US Coin Phrases

David Ganz has an article in the current issue of Numismatic News where he provides the history of the motto "IGWT" and shows that it was put there due to religious zealots -- first during the Civil War, then during the cold war, which incidentally, was when the Pledge of Allegiance was made to include reference to the deity as well.

I'm for the complete separation of church and state, which can never be achieved unless "In God We Trust" is taken off our money, "under God" is removed from the pledge of allegiance, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives stop invocations, benedictions and other prayers, and Christmas is no longer a legal federal holiday.

Not bloody likely either.

Jan

I never really saw IN God We Trust as problem. "God" is a generic word and I can't see how there could be a state religion unless it's specific.

Liberty is not a concept that I believe is real. Call me "un-patriotic" or anything else that comes to mind, just don't call me collect.

"E Pluribus Unum (One out of many)" That's why Liberty isn't real. It can't exist in a collectivist society and every society on this planet is collectivist to some degree or another. Taking money from my wallet and giving it to someone else isn't "Liberty." In fact I rather suspect "the greater good of society" is just good ole fashion stealing. Gault's Gulch, that would be Liberty if Gault's Gulch actually existed.

Keep these things on our money? Sure why not? Our money isn't real either. It's "monetized" credit card receipts, the bill for which will fall on the shoulders of future generations who got no benefit from the borrowing. But at least they can dance in the street at their new found "Liberty." After they pay for all the required permits, that is.

Guess you know "In God We Trust" started around 1861 and I believe legislated around 1955. My mother has a U.S. penny from 17? (late obviously) which I used in high school when a teacher asked, 'What 4 words appear on every U.S. coin?" and I answered, "United States Of America" which he counted wrong. (Of course he counted everyone wrong as whichever you responded he would day it was the other.) But he was speechless when I brought the coin in and proved him incorrect.

Great topic dr.

I think all three are important because they remind us of our American Heritage.

In God We Trust, or trusting in God is a no brainer. It is not a religious pronouncement, nor does it's inclusion on our currency suggest that church and state aren't separate

Fifty states (then 13) united under one government, each stronger united then they would be independently. Pretty amazing thinking, even today.

Liberty was the concept (conceived in liberty) that drove out declaration of independence.

We are very fortunate people. God bless America.

quote nds76: .."I'd rather not have a coin covered in writings, would rather see more artistic work."

I think that's where commorative issues come in, the recent Jamestown dollars are an excellent example.

Hehe, many UK coins have (and many commonwealth coins, like Learjet mentioned) a list of titles to go along with the reigning monarch. For example, on this 1948 shilling, the reverse has "Fid Def Ind Imp" which is an abbreviation for latin phrases which mean "Defender of the Faith" and "Emperor of India". Meanwhile, the obverse has "Georgius VI D G BR OMN REX", which is more abbreviated latin...for something along the lines of "By grace of god, King George VI". all packed onto a coin the size of a quarter...