MOTTOS ON UNITED STATES COINS
Several years ago there was controversy about the motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” not being on the new Presidential dollars. The charge was not true, of course, the wording being in small letters on the edge of the coin. However, the pressure from those wishing the motto to be more prominent proved too great for Congress, and that body in 2008 authorized the placement of the motto on one of the sides of the coin.
The motto was placed on the obverse beginning with 2009 since this was the most logical place.
This controversy over “IN GOD WE TRUST” has brought into sharp focus the question of mottos and inscriptions that have appeared on United States coins since the first mintages of 1792. In addition, from 1793 to 1836 there were lettered-edge coins that were produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
The average citizen would perhaps be stumped if asked what legend has appeared on every United States coin. Oddly enough, there is no answer because no complete inscription has appeared on every American coin. The answer is only one of the many oddities found on our coinage during the last 229 years.
Many collectors think that “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” has always appeared, but this is not precisely true. When the first Chain cent dies were being prepared in mid-February
