The $1 banknote is one of the most recognizable in the world, but not everyone knows what lies behind its design. A portrait on the front side, a mysterious pyramid with an “all-seeing eye” on the back, Latin mottos - each element carries a historical or symbolic meaning. Who is depicted on the banknote, and why did the choice fall on this person?
In this article we will look in detail banknote history, let's talk about George Washington - the first US President, whose portrait has graced the banknote for more than 150 years - and we will also reveal the meaning secret symbols on the back, which give rise to many conspiracy theories. You will learn how the design of the dollar changed, why the pyramid was not completed, and what the phrase means E PLURIBUS UNUM.
Portrait on the 1 dollar bill: George Washington
The obverse of the US $1 bill features George Washington - the country's first president (1789–1797) and one of the key figures in US history. His portrait appeared on the banknote in 1869, when the U.S. Treasury Department standardized the design of paper money. Washington was not chosen by chance: it symbolizes founding of a nation, the struggle for independence and democratic values.
Interestingly, the portrait on the bill is not an exact copy of any lifetime image of Washington. Artist Gilbert Stewart created it based on several portraits, including the famous "unfinished" work Athenæum Portrait, which today is kept in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. On the banknote, Washington is depicted in profile, with a characteristic hairstyle of the time and a stern expression on his face.
- 🏛️ Why Washington? — He was the only president elected unanimously (69 votes out of 69).
- 🎨 Author of the portrait: The engraving is based on the work of Gilbert Stuart, who never drew Washington from life.
- 💰 First appearance: 1869 - It was then that Washington replaced Salmon Chase (Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War) on the bill.
Washington remains on the banknote already more than 150 years, despite numerous proposals to replace him with other historical figures (for example, Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King). The tradition continues, and today his portrait is not only a tribute, but also a symbol of the stability of the American currency.
- It perfectly symbolizes the USA
- Should have been replaced by another president
- We need to remove portraits altogether
- I don't care
Reverse side of the note: Great Seal of the United States
If you turn the bill over, you can see on the back side Great Seal of the USA - the official symbol of the country, approved by Congress in 1782. The seal consists of two sides: facial (eagle with shield) and reverse (a pyramid with an “all-seeing eye”), and it is the second image on the dollar. This design appeared on the banknote in 1935 and has not changed since then.
Central element - unfinished pyramid of 13 steps (symbolizing the 13 first states). At its top is eye in triangle, often associated with the Freemasons. Under the Pyramid - Latin phrase NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM (“New Order of Ages”), and above it - ANNUIT CŒPTIS (“He approved of our endeavors”). These inscriptions reflect the idea of the American Revolution as the beginning of a new era.
| Symbol | Meaning | Interesting fact |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid (13 steps) | 13 first colonies/states | The pyramid is not completed - a symbol that the United States will grow |
| Eye in a triangle | Divine Providence | Often mistakenly associated with the Illuminati, but officially it is a symbol of God |
E PLURIBUS UNUM |
“Out of many, one” (motto on a ribbon in the eagle’s beak) | Phrase proposed in 1776 for the first US flag |
NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM |
"New Order of the Ages" | Taken from Virgil's prophecy about the beginning of the golden age |
There are many conspiracy theoriesassociated with these symbols. For example, some argue that the pyramid and the eye are a sign of a secret society that controls the world. However, the official version is that the design reflects the founding fathers' belief in divine guidance and the desire to build a great nation.
The myth of the number 13
The number 13 is repeated on the seal for a reason: 13 steps of the pyramid, 13 letters in the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM, 13 stripes on the US flag in 1777. This is a tribute to the first states, but conspiracy theorists see this as an "unlucky" number.
Evolution of the $1 Bill Design: 1862 to Present
The first paper dollars appeared in the USA in 1862 during the Civil War, when the government urgently needed money to finance the army. Back then, banknotes were printed by private banks and had different designs. The banknote acquired its modern appearance only in 1928when the standard series was introduced Federal Reserve Notes.
Key design changes:
- 📜 1869: The appearance of a portrait of Washington (replacing Salmon Chase).
- 🏛️ 1928: Set to a modern size (6.14 x 2.61 inches) and added the Great Seal to the back.
- 🔍 1935: They added an “all-seeing eye” and a pyramid (previously there was just an ornamental frame).
- 🛡️ 1996: New security elements have been introduced: microprinting, security thread, watermarks.
The last major modernization took place in 2017, when a new series with improved protective features was released, but the design remains the same. Interestingly, 1 dollar is the only bill that has not changed its basic visual concept since 1935.
If you look closely at a modern banknote under ultraviolet light, you can see red and blue fibers, as well as a luminous security thread with the inscription USA 1.
Why is the pyramid on the dollar not completed?
The unfinished pyramid on the back of the banknote is one of the most discussed elements. Officially it symbolizes that the United States is a young nation with great growth potential. The 13 steps represent the first states, and the absence of a peak represents the future expansion of the country.
However, there are alternative interpretations:
- 🔮 Masonic version: The pyramid is a symbol of human improvement through the stages of knowledge.
- 📜 Biblical connection: Some see it as a reference to the Tower of Babel or the Egyptian pyramids as a symbol of eternity.
- 💡 Political subtext: The Founding Fathers wanted to show that democracy is a process, not an end result.
It is curious that the pyramid was originally planned as completed, but the designer Charles Thomson (Secretary of Congress) suggested leaving it unfinished. His words: “The pyramid symbolizes strength and durability, and its incompleteness - that our country will forever strive for perfection.”
The unfinished pyramid is not a design mistake, but a conscious symbol endless development USA.
Latin mottos on the dollar: what do they mean?
On the banknote you can find three Latin phrases, each of which has a deep meaning:
E PLURIBUS UNUM(“Out of many, one”) is the motto on the ribbon in the eagle’s beak. It reflects the idea unity of the states in one union. The phrase was proposed in 1776 for the first US flag and later became the national motto.ANNUIT CŒPTIS(“He approved of our endeavors”) - above the pyramid. This is believed to be a reference to divine providence, which blessed the creation of the United States.NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM(“New Order of Ages”) - under the pyramid. Taken from Virgil's fourth eclogue and symbolizes the beginning of a new era after independence.
These phrases were added to the Great Seal in 1782 at the suggestion of Charles Thomson. I wonder what E PLURIBUS UNUM to 1956 was the de facto national motto until it was replaced by "In God We Trust".
Conspiracy theorists often interpret these phrases as evidence of the existence of a secret world government. For example, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM associated with the “new world order”. However, historians insist that this is simply a reflection optimism of the founding fathers regarding the future of the country.
Myths and conspiracy theories associated with the dollar bill
The 1 dollar bill has become the object of many conspiracy theories. Here are the most famous of them:
- 👁️ "All-Seeing Eye" as a symbol of the Illuminati: Many believe that an eye in a triangle is a sign of a secret society that controls world politics. In fact, this symbol was used in Christian iconography long before the Illuminati (for example, in Renaissance paintings).
- 🔢 Number 13 as a “curse”: 13 steps, 13 stars above the eagle, 13 letters in mottos - some see this as an “unlucky” number. However, officially it is a tribute to the first states.
- 🏗️ Pyramid as a Masonic symbol: Many of the Founding Fathers (including Washington) were Freemasons, but there is no evidence that the pyramid is directly related to Freemasonry. Rather, it is a reference to ancient civilizations as a symbol of strength.
- 💵 Hidden messages in design: Some people claim that if you fold the bill a certain way, you can see the Pentagon or the Twin Towers. This is nothing more than a play of light and shadows.
The most famous myth is related to Benjamin Franklin, who allegedly suggested adding Egyptian symbols to the seal. In fact, Franklin was on the committee to create the seal, but the final design was made by Charles Thomson, inspired by Roman and Egyptian symbols as the personification of eternity.
⚠️ Attention: None of the conspiracy theories have official confirmation. All symbols on the dollar have documented origins related to US history, and not to secret societies.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the $1 bill
Is it true that there are hidden images on the banknote?
No, all "hidden" images (for example, the "devil's face" in the waves on the reverse side) are optical illusions that occur under certain lighting or folding of the banknote. Officially, there are no secret designs on the dollar.
Why are there no portraits of women or African Americans on the bill?
The design of the banknote was formed in 19th century, when women and African Americans did not have equal rights. Today there is discussion about replacing Washington on the banknote (for example, with Harriet Tubman), but so far no changes have been made.
How much is a $1 banknote worth in collectible form?
A regular bill costs $1, but rare series (for example, 1928 Star Notes or banknotes with printing errors) may be assessed at hundreds or thousands of dollars. For example, an 1890 "Grand Watermelon" dollar sold for $3.3 million at auction.
Can I use a torn dollar?
Yes, if saved more than 50% of the banknote, it can be exchanged at the bank for a new one. The US Federal Reserve even accepts heavily damaged bills (such as those that have been burned or eaten by animals).
Why hasn't the dollar been updated for 90 years?
The design of the reverse side has not changed since 1935 due to tradition and high reprinting costs. In addition, $1 is the most common bill, and its appearance has become part of American culture.