Financial History Issue 116 (Winter 2016) | Page 24
Abraham Lincoln
President Abraham Lincoln was the first
historic figure to be depicted on a circulating coin issued by the US Mint. The
decision to include him on the 1909 cent
designed by Victor D. Brenner reflects his
position as a symbol of national unity and
stability 6 and 7 . Lincoln has also been
featured on US paper money.
CULTURAL MESSAGES
Language and Multiculturalism
The languages used on money convey a
message about the community for which
the currency is intended. Among the earliest bilingual coins are the Indo-Greek
drachms from about 160 BCE in modern
Afghanistan and Pakistan. They feature
both Greek and the Kharoshthi script,
used to write an Indian language 8 . This
reflects the ethnic and cultural diversity in
the region. Many modern notes feature
multiple languages and more than one
script, such as the 500 ruble note from the
Republic of Azerbaijan, which has Latin,
Cyrillic and Arabic script 9 .
Drachm coin, Bactria, circa 160 BCE.
Donated by Raymond and Meryem Hebert.
8
500 ruble note, Republic of Azerbaijan, 1920.
Donated by The Chase Manhattan Bank.
9
6
One cent coin, United States, 1909.
Donated by Frederic A. Delano
22 FINANCIAL HISTORY | Winter 2016 | www.MoAF.org
7
Abraham Lincoln plaque by Victor D. Brenner,
United States, circa 1907. Donated by US
Department of the Treasury.