You've probably handed over a twenty-dollar bill countless times, but how often have you actually looked at it? That face staring back at you belongs to Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. But here's something most people don't realize - Jackson absolutely hated paper money. Pretty ironic when you think about it, isn't it? The guy spent much of his political career fighting against centralized banking, yet here he is on one of America's most circulated banknotes.
I remember the first time I learned this fact during a high school history class. My teacher pointed at the bill and said, "Notice anything contradictory about this?" That moment stuck with me. It's one of those quirky historical details that makes you realize money tells deeper stories than we think.
Andrew Jackson: The Man Behind the Twenty
So who exactly was Andrew Jackson? Born in 1767 in the Carolinas, Jackson became a national hero after defeating the British at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. He later served two presidential terms from 1829 to 1837. People called him "Old Hickory" because he was as tough as hardwood, but his legacy is... complicated.
I've visited his plantation home, The Hermitage, near Nashville. Walking through those rooms gives you an eerie feeling when you know the full story. They don't shy away from discussing the enslaved people who worked there, which adds necessary context.
Key Moments in Jackson's Presidency
Indian Removal Act (1830)
Signed into law by Jackson, leading to the forced relocation of Native Americans known as the Trail of Tears. Over 15,000 Cherokee people were marched westward; about 4,000 died en route.
Bank War (1832-1836)
Jackson vetoed the recharter of the Second Bank of the United States, calling it a corrupt institution favoring elites. He moved federal funds to state banks.
Nullification Crisis (1832-1833)
Faced down South Carolina's attempt to nullify federal tariffs, threatening military force to preserve the Union.
The Controversy Surrounding Jackson
Let's address the elephant in the room: Jackson's reputation has taken major hits in modern times. His treatment of Native Americans is deeply troubling. What bothers me most is how he ignored the Supreme Court's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia that should have protected Cherokee lands. He reportedly said, "John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it." That's a scary precedent for a president to set.
On the flip side, Jackson supporters argue he championed the common man against aristocratic elites. You'll hear this during tours at his Tennessee home. But honestly? I find it hard to reconcile that populist image with how he expanded executive power while suppressing minority rights. It's messy history that doesn't fit neatly into hero/villain boxes.
How Jackson Landed on the $20 Bill
Jackson first appeared on the $20 bill in 1928. Before that, here's what the denomination looked like:
| Years | Person Featured | Design Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1861-1869 | Liberty | First $20 demand notes featuring allegorical figures |
| 1875-1890 | Alexander Hamilton | Yes, Hamilton appeared on $20s before switching to the $10 |
| 1905-1928 | George Washington | Only portrait series featuring the first president |
So why did Jackson replace Washington? The Treasury Department's official records are vague about the decision, but historians note several factors:
- Jackson's opposition to central banking strangely appealed to 1920s reformers
- His populist image matched the political mood during the Progressive Era
- A practical need to differentiate bill denominations clearly
Fun fact: Jackson only appeared on Federal Reserve Notes. Earlier $20 gold certificates featured James Garfield, which I find fascinating since he's largely forgotten today.
The Modern $20 Bill Design Features
Today's $20 bill packs sophisticated security features. Next time you have one, try holding it up to the light. See that faint image to the right of Jackson? That's an embedded watermark portrait. Here's a breakdown of key elements:
| Feature | Location | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Color-Shifting Ink | Numeral "20" on bottom right | Tilt bill – changes from copper to green |
| Security Thread | Left of portrait | Glows green under UV light, reads "USA TWENTY" |
| Microprinting | Around portrait collar | Magnifying glass reveals "USA 20" |
| Raised Printing | Jackson's shoulder | Run finger over it – should feel rough |
| Watermark | Right side | Hold to light – shows Jackson portrait |
These features were added during the 2003 redesign. Why does this matter? Counterfeiters constantly evolve, so the Treasury keeps updating security. I once received a fake $20 at a farmer's market – it lacked the color-shifting ink and felt suspiciously smooth. That's when I learned to always check these details.
The Big Switch: Harriet Tubman and the $20 Redesign
In 2016, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew announced Andrew Jackson would be replaced by Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. This came after a public campaign called "Women on 20s" gathered over 600,000 votes. Tubman, an escaped slave who led others to freedom via the Underground Railroad, was the clear favorite.
Timeline Update: The Tubman bill was originally scheduled for 2020 but faced multiple delays. Current Treasury plans aim for release around 2030.
Why Replace Jackson?
Tubman's selection wasn't just about adding a woman to currency. It represented a reevaluation of American values:
- Symbolic reversal: Tubman freeing people vs. Jackson enslaving them
- Recognition of Black Americans' foundational contributions
- Response to criticism of glorifying presidents with racist policies
The redesign will keep some current elements but significantly alter the back. While Jackson moves to the reverse side, Tubman will occupy the primary portrait position. Personally, I think it's a meaningful change, though some historians argue it oversimplifies complex legacies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the $20 Bill
When did Andrew Jackson first appear on the $20?
Jackson debuted on Series 1928 Federal Reserve Notes. Before then, Grover Cleveland briefly appeared on $20 bills from 1914-1928.
Why was Jackson originally chosen?
Though records are incomplete, his populist image aligned with early 20th century reforms. Ironically, his opposition to centralized banking may have appealed to banking critics.
Will my old Jackson $20 bills become worthless?
Not at all! When new designs release, all previous versions remain legal tender. I still occasionally get bills from the 1990s in change.
Is Harriet Tubman definitely replacing Jackson?
Yes, the Treasury confirmed this in 2021 despite delays. The design process is ongoing with expected release around 2030.
Are there rare $20 bills worth collecting?
Absolutely! Look for:
- 1929 National Currency notes (worth $100+)
- 1934 Hawaii overprint notes ($500+)
- Misprinted bills with mismatched serial numbers
Why does Jackson remain on the bill despite his controversial history?
Changing currency designs takes years due to security requirements. The lengthy process has prevented faster updates to who is on the american 20 dollar bill.
Collecting $20 Bills: What You Should Know
Currency collecting might seem niche, but I've met fascinating people through it. At a collectors' convention last year, I handled a Series 1914 $20 bill with Grover Cleveland's portrait – thicker paper than today's bills with almost no security features.
If you're interested in collecting:
- Focus on specific series (like 1928 or 1950)
- Look for star notes (replacement bills with ★ before serial number)
- Prioritize uncirculated condition (crisp corners, no folds)
| Series Year | Estimated Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|
| 1928 | $150-$500 |
| 1934 | $50-$200 |
| 1950 | $40-$100 |
| 1963 | $30-$75 |
Remember that condition dramatically affects value. A worn 1928 bill might fetch $30, while a pristine version could exceed $500. Always get valuable notes professionally graded.
Beyond Jackson: Understanding Currency Politics
The debate over who is on the american 20 dollar bill reflects broader cultural conversations. Australia removed colonial figures from its currency decades ago. Canada features civil rights activists and scientists. Why does America move slower?
Part of it stems from bureaucracy. Redesigning currency requires:
- 12-18 months of engraving and testing
- Security feature development
- Vending machine industry coordination
- Federal Reserve implementation planning
But beyond logistics, resistance comes from traditionalists who view changes as erasing history. Having spoken with collectors on both sides, I notice an interesting divide: older collectors often oppose the Tubman redesign, while younger ones see it as necessary modernization. Personally, I think currency should evolve with national values - it's not stone carving but paper reflecting contemporary society.
Will Jackson Disappear Completely?
According to Treasury plans, Jackson will remain on the reverse side of the Tubman $20 bill. Some historians argue this strikes the right balance - acknowledging his historical significance while demoting him from the position of honor. Others, including Native American groups, want him fully removed given policies like the Indian Removal Act.
What's clear? The simple question "who is on the american 20 dollar bill?" opens complex discussions about memory, representation, and historical judgment. I keep a 1928 Jackson bill framed beside a commemorative Tubman coin in my office as reminders of these evolving narratives.
So next time you pull out a twenty, take a closer look before you spend it. That portrait represents layers of history, controversy, and change - far more than just purchasing power. And when people ask me who's on the twenty dollar bill these days, my answer always starts with "Well currently it's Jackson, but soon..." because the story keeps unfolding.
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