In God We Trust
About 16 minutes, plus hands-on activity and discussion.
Think about it
In our last lesson, we learned what gives something value, like how something can be rare, useful, or simply trusted by everyone. But have you ever stopped to look closely at the money you use? Whose faces are staring back at you? Why were they chosen?
In this lesson, we’ll learn about the people and stories behind the money in your pocket, what makes their stories worth remembering, and how even worn-out, damaged money can still have value.
Let’s Learn
Have you ever noticed the words “In God We Trust” on coins and dollar bills? Those words appear on every piece of U.S. money. But why?
About 150 years ago, in the 1860s, our country was divided. States in the North fought against states in the South over the issue of slavery. The North wanted to end slavery, and the South fought to keep it. If you’re not sure what slavery means, ask a grown-up!
During this difficult time, called the Civil War, many people wanted to show that the country trusted God to help them through such a hard time. The words first appeared on coins in 1864 and later on paper money too.
In 1956, Congress made “In God We Trust” the official motto of the United States. A motto is a short, powerful saying that shows what someone believes or hopes for. Think of it as a special phrase that reminds people what really matters.
It’s amazing that our country’s motto is “In God We Trust.” Even though we sometimes make mistakes as a nation, because people are not perfect like God is, we still hope our leaders will trust God and listen for His guidance when making big decisions.
These four little words “In God We Trust,” remind us that money isn’t the most important thing and that, as a country, we put our hope in God above all else.
Why Are People On Our Money?
Have you ever wondered why certain people’s faces are on our money? Why not your teacher, your grandma, or even you?
The designs on our money are chosen to tell the story of our country. That’s why you see portraits of important leaders and symbols of freedom.
The people we see on coins and bills were chosen because of the big role they played in shaping America. A group of grown-ups in Congress and the U.S. Treasury decide who appears on money. They usually pick people who have been gone for a long time so the choice feels more about history and less about politics or popularity.
Not everyone always agrees with the choices though. Some people think it’s time to add new faces or replace old ones to better reflect what we value today. And who knows, maybe someday someone you know, or even you, will make history and earn a spot on a coin or bill!
Fun Fact: Who Can’t Be on Money?
Did you know it’s actually against the rules to put a living person on U.S. money? That’s right, only people who have already passed away can be featured. Why? Because it helps keep the choice about history, not about who’s popular right now. So if you dream of seeing your own face on a dollar someday, don’t worry, you’ll just have to wait until much later.
The story of harriet tubman
You might have heard of Harriet Tubman. She was an incredibly brave woman who escaped slavery and then helped more than 70 other people find freedom through the Underground Railroad. She also served as a nurse, cook, and even a spy during the Civil War.
In 2016, the Treasury Department announced plans to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill, replacing Andrew Jackson. Many people celebrated the idea because she represents courage, freedom, and the fight for justice.
But so far, the change hasn’t happened. Some leaders delayed the new design, and it’s still being discussed today. Even though she isn’t on our money yet, her story reminds us that what we value as a country can change over time, and we can keep working toward justice and fairness.
On Our Coins
Coins might seem small and ordinary, but each one carries a piece of America’s story. The faces you see on pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters remind us of people who helped shape the nation, even though they made mistakes too. Let’s take a closer look at the faces and the stories behind each coin and bill you carry in your pocket.
On the Penny: Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States from 1861 to 1865. He is most famous for helping end slavery and keeping the country together during the Civil War. But Lincoln also struggled with deep sadness and made enemies even within his own team of leaders. Even though Lincoln made a lot of enemies during his time, he stood firm in what he believed was right and is remembered as one of America’s greatest presidents.
Every time you find a penny on the ground, remember that doing the right thing isn’t always the most popular thing.
On the Nickel: Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson was the 3rd president from 1801 to 1809. He wrote the Declaration of Independence which said everyone in America has rights to life and freedom. But Jefferson also owned enslaved people on his farm and didn’t free most of them, even though he wrote that all men are created equal.
On the Dime: Franklin D. Roosevelt
Roosevelt, or FDR, was president during the Great Depression and World War II, from 1933 to 1945. He helped lead the country through some of its hardest times. But FDR also made unfair decisions, like sending thousands of innocent Japanese Americans to internment camps during the war. He’s remembered for his courage but also for choices we can learn from today.
On the Quarter: George Washington
Washington was the very first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797, and is often called the “Father of Our Country.” He helped lead the Continental Army to victory over the British in the Revolutionary War, which made American independence possible. But Washington also owned enslaved people and didn’t completely free them during his lifetime. Even though he made mistakes, Washington helped lay the foundation for a free country.
On Our Bills
Dollar bills tell big stories about America’s history and the people who shaped it. Each one reminds us of both the good things these leaders did and the mistakes they made along the way. Let’s explore the people on the most common bills and what we can learn from their lives.
On the $1 Bill: George Washington
Washington appears here again because of his huge role in starting the country. His leadership kept the United States from falling apart when it was young. He also made decisions, like signing laws that hurt Native Americans, that we see differently now.
On the $5 Bill: Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln appears on both the penny and the $5 bill because of his leadership and his determination to end slavery. But even Lincoln wasn’t perfect. Some of his wartime decisions were very controversial and hurt innocent people.
On the $10 Bill: Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton wasn’t a president, but he was the first Treasury Secretary and helped create America’s money system. His brilliant work shaped the country, but his personal life included a scandal that damaged his reputation.
On the $20 Bill: Andrew Jackson
Jackson was the 7th president and is remembered for being tough and standing up for everyday Americans. But he also forced thousands of Native Americans off their land during the Trail of Tears, which caused great suffering.
On the $50 Bill: Ulysses S. Grant
Grant was the 18th president of the United States and a famous general who helped lead the Union Army (the North) to victory in the Civil War. But as president, his time in office was marked by scandals and corruption among his advisors, even though he personally tried to do what was right.
On the $100 Bill: Benjamin Franklin
Franklin was never a president, but he helped write the Constitution and he invented many useful things like bifocal glasses, the Fire Department, and the United States Postal System! Unfortunately, he also owned enslaved people early in his life, but he changed his mind later in life and spoke out against slavery. Way to go, Benjamin!
God Forgives Us When We Make mistakes
These stories show us that all people, even people we remember for the great things they did, make mistakes. Even when we mess up, God still loves us and says we are valuable. Even though we make mistakes, He can still use us to make a difference when we turn to Him!
The truth is that everyone — you, me, and every person who has ever lived or ever will live — makes mistakes, because no one is perfect. The Bible calls these mistakes sin. Sin is anything we think, say, or do that separates us from God. Since God is perfect and holy, and we are not, we need Jesus to make us right with Him.
That’s why God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world. Jesus lived a perfect life without sin, then died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. But He didn’t stay dead! Three days later Jesus rose from the grave, proving His power over sin and death. Because Jesus is alive, anyone who trusts in Him can be forgiven, made new, and have life forever with God!
Damaged But Still Valuable
Even when money looks torn or dirty, it usually still works. If it’s more than half of the original bill, you can still spend it at a store.
But what if your money is really damaged? What if it’s burned, shredded, or missing big pieces? The U.S. government has a process to replace it. Here’s what to do:
- Gather all the pieces of the bill you can find.
- Place the pieces in a plastic bag or envelope to keep them safe.
- Write a short note explaining what happened.
- Mail everything to:
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Mutilated Currency Division
Office of Financial Management
14th and C Streets SW
Washington, DC 20228 - Wait for a response. If they can verify your bill, they’ll mail you a replacement check.
True story: In 2021, a farmer’s tractor caught fire and burned through his wallet. He mailed the charred remains of $1,200 to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. After careful inspection, the government replaced every dollar he lost.
Even when money seems ruined, it still has value!
Words to Know
A motto is a short saying that shows what someone or a group believes is most important. The motto of our country is “In God We Trust.”
Sin is anything we think, say, or do that goes against God and separates us from Him.
Forgiveness is what God shows toward us when He chooses to take away our sin and make us clean because of what Jesus did for us.
Let’s Play!
Drag the words Game
Instructions: Drag the correct word into each sentence.
Bible Time
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
— Isaiah 44:22
When we make mistakes, we can feel like we’ve ruined everything. But God promises to sweep our sins away like a passing cloud and make them disappear like mist fading in the morning sun. He invites us to return to Him, because He has already redeemed us and made a way for us to be whole again. Even when we feel damaged and burned up like a dollar bill, He sees our value and makes us whole again when we turn to Him and ask Him for forgiveness.
With Your Grown-Up
If a grown-up or parent is nearby, spend a minute to discuss one or both of these topics.
Hands On
Put learning into action! Download one or both of these activities and dive into a fun, practical way to explore today’s lesson.
What we Learned
The faces and designs on our money tell stories about the people who shaped our country. Even when money is damaged it still has value, just like each of us, no matter what we’ve been through and no matter how many mistakes we’ve made.
Check Your Understanding
High-Five!
Hit play for your end-of-lesson video!