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The Global Insight

Why is the phrase In God We Trust included on the quarter?

Author

John Hall

Updated on April 10, 2026

The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War.

Where did the phrase In God we trust come from?

The capitalized form “IN GOD WE TRUST” first appeared on the two-cent piece in 1864; it was also printed on paper currency since 1957 and on some post stamps since 1954. A law passed in July 1955 by a joint resolution of the 84th Congress ( Pub.

Why does US currency say In God We Trust?

During the Cold War era, the U.S. government tried to distinguish itself from the Soviet Union, which promoted state-sponsored atheism. The 84th Congress of 1956 passed a joint resolution “declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States.” “In God We Trust” appeared on all American currency after 1956.

When did In God We Trust become our motto?

July 30, 1956
On July 30, 1956, two years after pushing to have the phrase “under God” inserted into the pledge of allegiance, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a law officially declaring “In God We Trust” to be the nation’s official motto.

Does the Constitution provide for separation of church and state?

The first amendment to the US Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The two parts, known as the “establishment clause” and the “free exercise clause” respectively, form the textual basis for the Supreme Court’s interpretations …

Why was the motto in God we trust put on US coins?

The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War. Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase received many appeals from devout persons throughout the country, urging that the United States recognize the Deity on United States coins.

Who was president when in God we trust was created?

It was that decade that brought “In God We Trust” into widespread use. In 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill placing the phrase on all American currency. One sponsor of that legislation, Congressman Charles Bennett, echoed the sentiments that had inspired the Sovereignty of God amendment during the Civil War.

Why is in God we trust not on one dollar notes?

P.L. 84-140 recognized that an enormous expense would be associated with immediately replacing the costly printing plates. The law allowed BEP to gradually convert to the inclusion of IN GOD WE TRUST on the currency. Accordingly, the motto is not found on series 1935-E and 1935-F one-dollar notes.

When did in God we trust first appear on paper money?

History of ‘In God We Trust’. IN GOD WE TRUST was first used on paper money in 1957, when it appeared on the one-dollar silver certificate. The first paper currency bearing the motto entered circulation on October 1, 1957. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was converting to the dry intaglio printing process.