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The US Treasury will add a woman to the $10 bill alongside Alexander Hamilton, Secretary Jack Lew announced on Wednesday:
The next generation of currency will revolve around the theme of democracy. The first note, the new $10, will feature a notable woman. In keeping with that theme, it’s important that you make your voice heard.
Yes, as Matt Yglesias argued, they probably should have replaced Andrew Jackson on the $20. But which woman will join Hamilton on the $10? The Treasury wants you to help decide that very matter:
To participate, you can visit the microsite to chime in and tweet with the hashtag #TheNew10. The Hill's Kevin Cirilli reports we've got "this summer" to submit choices:
Lew said he would announce which woman before the end of the year, after the administration seeks national input this summer.
"America’s currency is a way for our nation to make a statement about who we are and what we stand for," Lew said. "Our paper bills — and the images of great American leaders and symbols they depict — have long been a way for us to honor our past and express our values."
Twitter users jumped to recommend some silly nominees, even though there are countless women who should be considered seriously:
make it rain pic.twitter.com/y6j2sHIjZO
— Sarah N. Emerson (@SarahNEmerson) June 18, 2015
Can't wait! pic.twitter.com/V7d5Sow5BL
— Lindsey Adler (@Lahlahlindsey) June 18, 2015
— Jesse Berney (@jesseberney) June 18, 2015
#TheNewTen okay I’m done please don’t block or report me pic.twitter.com/yDVJNFYcur
— daveweigel (@daveweigel) June 18, 2015
Food for thought: as progressive as this decision is, women make up slightly more of the total population than men and will now get one gender representative on the nation's paper currency. For more details on the pending decision, read this WSJ interview and check out some of the Treasury's official details on the site:
What will happen to Alexander Hamilton?
"While the design process is complex and much work remains to be done, Secretary Lew has made clear that the image of Alexander Hamilton will remain part of the $10 note. There are many options for continuing to honor Hamilton. While one option is producing two bills, we are exploring a variety of possibilities. However, security requirements are the driving consideration behind any new design."
When do you expect to unveil the new design?
After considering the public’s input on the qualities that best represent our value of democracy, the Secretary will announce some of the changes to the $10 note, including the selection for the new portrait. However, the design process is very involved and detailed, and the final redesigned note will not be complete for several years.
When will the new redesigned $10 note enter circulation?
We anticipate the new redesigned $10 note to enter circulation after 2020.
Why not also re-design the $20 note?
A number of interesting currency ideas exists. Currency is redesigned to stay ahead of counterfeiting. The ACD Steering Committee recommended a redesign of the $10 note next. The ACD will make its next recommendation based on current and potential security threats to currency notes.
