“In God We Trust” Made Official U.S. Motto 

Although it had appeared on American coins for 92 years, “In God We Trust” didn’t become America’s official motto until July 30, 1956.

Its roots in American tradition date back to the War of 1812, when Francis Scott Key included the phrase “And this be our motto: In God is our Trust” in his “Star-Spangled Banner.” Fifty years later, as America was embroiled in Civil War, Reverend M.R. Watkinson requested that our coins include a statement recognizing God to “relieve us from the ignominy of heathenism.” He, and many others, wished to show that God sided with Union.

After special legislation was passed in April 1864, “In God We Trust” was minted on one- and two-cent coins. It appeared on various coins over the years, but not all of them. Following public outcry over its omission from a $20 coin in 1908, it was ordered that the phrase appear on all coins it had previously been minted on. It’s been on every U.S. coin produced since 1938.

The phrase became a national matter in 1956 as America was involved in the Cold War. American politicians wanted to distance the country from the Soviet Union, which supported state atheism. So Congress passed a resolution declaring “In God We Trust” as the national motto, signed into law by President Eisenhower.

The phrase’s use and adoption hasn’t been without controversy. President Theodore Roosevelt objected to its use on coins as he considered it sacrilege. Many others believe it symbolizes government support of religion.

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5 Comments

  1. Thees tidbits of hisorical info are very interesting. Some we already know but still fun to read. It would be nice if you could be able to copy and paste whatever article you find interesting to save or send to someone. Or even, perhaps to be able to copy and paste the link to share.

    1. Hi to Carolyn Schoepps,
      YES, you could easily do those wishes you commented BUT to be 100% legally save then you must ask their permission first. I think they’ll ONLY allow you to save in your own computer and NEVER in your own online Websites. Why you’ve to save – it’ll occupy spaces in your hard drive. My alvice is to saved ONLY one URL or link in your Favorite folder (for Interneet Explorer) and to see/view other stamps/dates — just click ‘Categlories’ and click ‘This Days in History’ found in left-side of page since or from the beginning of postings. Hope my reply will please you.

  2. This is what stamp collecting is all about!! Been collecting since age 10, 62 years now! Never stop learning!!

  3. Same here John Bronco since 9 or 10 I’ve been collecting in middle 60’s .this is an awesome idea they have came up with thanks?

  4. I have been collecting since I was 8 year old, which is 81 years ago. This Day In History is the most wonderful thing that could have happened in all those years. I am learning things that I wasn’t taught in school. You are never to old to learn.

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