It’s amusing how information on the internet can take on a life of its own. Just the other day, on Facebook, someone reposted a warning that first appeared in 2007 to all God-fearing Americans, when the first “gold” presidential dollars appeared. When these coins were legislated into existence, it was decreed that the motto of “In God We Trust,” the date, and the mintmark should all appear on the edge of the coins. (Get your reading glasses!) Most folks weren’t aware of this—how dare they take this off of our coins! This was so that more detail of the presidents’ mug shots could be shown. (A side note: they never imagined how ugly and Chucky Cheese token-like these almost non-circulating coins would be!)
This article will not focus on these coins, but rather on some background on “In God We Trust” found on our coins. The first coin to ever have this sentiment on it was the 2c coin, first minted in 1864. Perhaps this was added to the coin because of the trials and tribulations of the Civil War, and God was looked to more during these crisis years. Two cent coins were short lived; they were only minted from 1864 to 1873. Very nice examples can be bought for $20-$35 or so.
Several other coin series included this motto, mostly off and on through the mid-1800s. Its use on the Lincoln cent has been uninterrupted since its inception in 1909. Then, when the Jefferson nickel debuted in 1938, all of our coins included “In God We Trust” on them.
If you read your history of this country, and the history of our founding fathers, you will find that they were overwhelmingly Christian. We also know that this country has drifted a great deal, so that God is not held as in high esteem as He was once. There is also a great deal of irony in the fact that many politicians want to limit the connection of our nation to a deity when Congress decreed in 1864 that “In God We Trust” should begin to appear on our coinage!
When you see a penny on the street, do you pick it up? Or, is it of so little value, you don’t bother to bend over for it? We have all heard stories of “pennies from heaven.” I know that Dear Abby runs letters about these frequently. Supposedly, when you have lost a loved one, it’s reassurance from them when you find a stray penny. In fact, many times these stories are of dates that were the loved one’s birthday or other important year in his or her life.
Someone recently sent me an email about a different take on pennies from heaven. . . Each time you see a penny lost and on its own, pick it up. On each one, there is a reminder that “In God We Trust.” In your hand you will have a tangible reminder of God’s love and care for you and it should be a day-brightener for anyone!
Coin collecting is a fascinating hobby. Learn more about it at one of the coin club meetings. The Brown County Coin Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6:30 pm, at the Family Center of the Austin Avenue Church of Christ. Enter through the new children’s fenced-off play area on the west side of the building. There’s probably at least one club member who shares an interest with you and would encourage you. Get involved in making your own unique coin collection!
The Brown County Coin Club hopes to see you on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30, for our next meeting. Call Robert Rollins 325-201-6390 or Bob Turner at 325-217-4129 for more information. Turner has opened Principally Coins & Metal Detectors at 3002 Early Boulevard. Feel free to call or drop by there for more information about coin collecting.
