Idealized African women at a market on a 1,000 franc note, French Equatorial Africa( modern Central and Western Africa), 1963.
Peace depicted on a $ 10 dollar Treasury note, United States of America, 1864.
FEMALE FIGURES ON MONEY
More often than historic women, idealized, allegorical and mythological female figures have appeared on money as symbols of ideals, values and beliefs. They are effective tools of communication for governments because they can convey meaningful, and sometimes complicated, concepts on small and familiar objects. As an alternative to depicting potentially divisive political leaders, allegorical figures can promote a sense of national unity around a shared idea, such as freedom.
Thus, many nations depict the idea of freedom as the female figure Lady Liberty. She has appeared on American coinage in a variety of poses and styles since the US Mint produced its first coins in 1792. Justice, victory and peace are also conveyed through the female form on notes and coins.
Many nations also include images of idealized women on their money, communicating national ideals and conveying the essential roles that women play in the marketplace, home and community. Some countries even personify the nation itself as a woman. For example, Great Britain uses the figure Britannia as the allegorical representation of the British nation. She is typically depicted as a protective figure with a trident and shield and appears on both British coins and notes.
In addition, some nations, both in ancient history and the present, depict female mythological and religious figures in an effort to encourage a particular set of religious beliefs, or to promote a feeling of shared cultural heritage.
When America’ s new $ 5, $ 10 and $ 20 notes enter circulation, the women they depict will take their places alongside the many women who have appeared on money over the last two millennia. The new notes will not only commemorate their contributions to the nation, but also serve as evidence of the historic national conversation in 2015 and 2016 about the role of American women in US and world history— and a reminder of the many women that are still deserving of such an honor.
Liberty depicted on the $ 20“ 1933 Double Eagle” coin, United States of America, 1933.
Ellen Feingold is the curator of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution’ s National Museum of American History. She recently curated“ Women on Money” and“ The Value of Money.” Both exhibits are open to the public indefinitely. This article first appeared on the National Museum of American History’ s blog, O Say Can You See, at americanhistory. si. edu / blog.
www. MoAF. org | Summer 2016 | FINANCIAL HISTORY 23