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Story
July 30, 1936
The Fort Peck Press
Fort Peck, Wheeler, Valley County, Montana
What is this article about?
The motto 'In God We Trust' on U.S. coins originated from a 1861 suggestion by Rev. W. R. Watkinson of Ridleyville, Pa., to Treasury Secretary Chase during the Civil War. Designs were prepared in 1863, and Congress authorized its use on the two-cent piece in 1864, later extending to other coins.
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Why "in God We Trust"
Is Used on Coins of U. S.
The use of "In God We Trust" on a
penny or other coin of the United
States arose from a suggestion made
to the government during the Civil
war. In 1861 Rev. W. R. Watkinson,
of Ridleyville, Pa., wrote to the secre-
tary of the treasury to express his
idea that God's name should be recog-
nized on our coins. Secretary Chase
instructed the director of the mint to
have such a device prepared but the
designs were not ready until 1863. One
of the mottoes submitted was "God, Our
Trust"; the one accepted was doubt-
less taken from the well known line
in "The Star Spangled Banner." Con-
gress, on April 22, 1864, passed an act
authorizing the coinage of a two-cent
piece bearing the motto "In God We
Trust." By later acts of congress au-
thority was given to place the motto on
other United States coins.
Is Used on Coins of U. S.
The use of "In God We Trust" on a
penny or other coin of the United
States arose from a suggestion made
to the government during the Civil
war. In 1861 Rev. W. R. Watkinson,
of Ridleyville, Pa., wrote to the secre-
tary of the treasury to express his
idea that God's name should be recog-
nized on our coins. Secretary Chase
instructed the director of the mint to
have such a device prepared but the
designs were not ready until 1863. One
of the mottoes submitted was "God, Our
Trust"; the one accepted was doubt-
less taken from the well known line
in "The Star Spangled Banner." Con-
gress, on April 22, 1864, passed an act
authorizing the coinage of a two-cent
piece bearing the motto "In God We
Trust." By later acts of congress au-
thority was given to place the motto on
other United States coins.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Providence Divine
What keywords are associated?
In God We Trust
Us Coins
Civil War
Treasury Secretary
Motto Origin
What entities or persons were involved?
Rev. W. R. Watkinson
Secretary Chase
Where did it happen?
Ridleyville, Pa.
Story Details
Key Persons
Rev. W. R. Watkinson
Secretary Chase
Location
Ridleyville, Pa.
Event Date
1861 1864
Story Details
During the Civil War, Rev. Watkinson suggested including God's name on U.S. coins to Secretary Chase in 1861. Designs prepared in 1863 included 'In God We Trust' from 'The Star Spangled Banner.' Congress authorized it on two-cent pieces in 1864 and later on other coins.