When President Theodore Roosevelt asked Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coins, the sculptor suggested removing the inscription “In God We Trust” because he thought the letters detracted from the artistic symbols he had in mind. President Roosevelt, a devout Christian and member of the Reformed Church of America, agreed, believing that currency was unbefitting of such a solemn declaration, especially since coins were used in gambling halls, saloons, and other unseemly enterprises.
Saint-Gaudens delivered his innovative designs, and the U.S. Mint produced and released the new Eagle and Double Eagle Gold Coins in 1907 without the famous phrase.
Roosevelt had grossly misjudged public opinion.
The omission of “In God We Trust” triggered a backlash. Some claimed it was an attack on the Christian religion. Others said it reflected Roosevelt’s insensitivity to Americans’ religious beliefs. Newspapers criticized the president’s decision, and religious groups lobbied Congress and the Treasury Secretary to restore the motto.
Roosevelt responded, “to put such a motto on coins, or to use it in any kindred manner, not only does no good, but does positive harm, and is in effect irreverence, which comes dangerously close to sacrilege,” adding, “It seems to me eminently unwise to cheapen such a motto by use on coins, just as it would be to cheapen it by use on postage stamps or in advertisements.”
Ignoring Roosevelt, Congress responded to the public outcry and, within months, overwhelmingly approved legislation requiring the phrase to be included on all U.S. gold and silver coins. Roosevelt acquiesced, signed the legislation, and had the phrase added to the new gold coins. In 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law a requirement that “In God We Trust” appear on all U.S. coins and paper currency.
While Saint-Gaudens’ 1907 Eagle and Double Eagle Gold Coins are treasured for their artistic excellence and rarity, the omission of the now-mandated motto adds to the coins’ distinctiveness.
