Money is ugly

Specifically, our money. Other countries have perfectly attractive currency. Why can’t we have cool looking money? I mean, sure, people might quibble about Obama and FDR (though it’s not hard, I imagine, for even a die-hard Teabagger to admit the historical significance of Obama), but putting a cool graphic of American accomplishments in the 20th Century on the $20 bill is genius. Not to mention way cooler looking than what we have.

Here’s another thing: In common circulation, our currency honors no one and no concepts any younger than FDR, who graces the dime. Common paper money honors nobody more recent than Lincoln. Sure, Grant’s on the $50, but ATM culture ensures we mostly never see anything but twenties and hundreds — and Grant’s only marginally more recent than Honest Abe. (Yes, currency nerds will note that McKinley, Cleveland, and Wilson used to be on bills, but not in recent memory.)

Not to take anything away from these seminal and significant 19th century figures, but shouldn’t we stretch a bit and think about the incredible contributions of 20th century Americans? Who not extend the honor to our scientific or literary or artistic heritage, even? Who wouldn’t want to pay for dinner with a Faulkner, an Armstrong, and a couple of Jimis?

4 thoughts on “Money is ugly

  1. Rob and I had this conversation years back. If I recall, our suggestion for retooled currency included Chief Crazy Horse on the $1, Faulkner on the $5, and Miles Davis on the $10.

  2. You got me with the Jimis. That would be incalculably cool. Can we skip the Obama bills and just go straight to the Jimis? No? Well, okay…..as long as the Jimis are part of the deal.

  3. Wasn’t JFK on a coin?

    If they did a limited un of coins or bills that would be money…

  4. Yeah, he is — the half dollar — but it’s not part of common circulation.

    @tim: Miles is money, for sure, but in my heart I want to be able to buy whisky with a Faulkner. $20 at least. ;)

    @rick: mmm, jimis.