"In God We Trust" Day

Annually on April 22nd is chosen as "In God We Trust" Day.

History of "In God We Trust" Day

“We Believe in God" begin appearing on coins of the United States from the permission of Congress on April 22nd, 1864. That same year, it appeared on the newly minted 2-cent coin and was quickly used on other coins. On March 3rd, 1865, United States Mint had permission to place it on all gold and silver coins. The Coinage Act of 1873 demonstrated the truth that “We Believe in God" could also be printed on other coins. From 1864 until 1938, it appeared on various coins in different time periods. Since 1938, all coins have printed it. It has been on coins since 1909, coins since 1916, and on all gold coins, silver dollars, half dollars and US dollar coins since 1908, which also became the official motto of the USA Company.

“E pluribus unum” was the original unofficial motto of the United States, which was a Latin phrase meaning "among many, one". First appearing on the Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782, it refers to the recent reunification of the 13 colonies. In 1795, it is also printed on coins of the United States. During the Civil War, the country was divided, the meaning of the phrase did not seem to be suitable. Many also sought solace in religion at the time, as relief from the bloodshed around them.

The increasing change to faith makes the government's decision influenced in using the phrase "We trust in God" on coins. Treasurer Salmon P. Chase has received letters from religious followers across the country asking to use words like "God Almighty" on coins. In November 1861, the Director of the Philadelphia Mint, James Pollock had been instructed to prepare a motto for the coin by Chase. In December 1863, Chase had approve some presented designs. While seeing the phrase, he recommended to change it into "IN GOD WE TRUST." The reference to "trust" was influenced in part by a phrase in the last stanza of Francis Scott Key's "The Star-Spangled Banner”. In addition, their motto “God is our trust!” was printed on all coins, the beginning for the permission on April 22nd.

On July 30, 1956, after the assignation of Congressional legislation by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the motto "In God We Trust" became the official national one. The law also states that the motto must appear on all currencies, leading to its first printing on paper money the following year. There were some challenges in the motto and usage of money, but the courts have upheld its use as Constitution.

Celebrating "In God We Trust" Day?

This would be a good day to start collecting coins. The last coin found on this day would be a two-cent coin of 1864, the first coin produced by the United States Mint with the words "In God We Trust" on it. Some states offer "In God We Trust" license plates that you can purchase. You can also share the day's story and its meaning with others. In addition, you can gather some friends to discuss about whether the phrase should be used on coins.