Woman to feature on 10 dollar bill for the first time

Washington, Jun 18: In a historic decision, the US will put picture of a 'notable' woman on an USD 10 note for the first time in over a century, breaking the norm that male political heroes are only portrayed on the greenback.

But, it would take another six year for the 10 dollar note to have a woman. The Treasury Department with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing expects to unveil the new USD 10 note in 2020 on the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

US Treasury Secretary Jacob L Lew will select a notable woman – with a focus on celebrating a champion for inclusive democracy. In keeping with that theme, the Department of the Treasury is asking the American people to share ideas, symbols, and designs for the new USD 10 note that reflect what democracy means to them.

The 10 dollar bill previously had a picture of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the US. "America's currency is a way for our nation to make a statement about who we are and what we stand for. 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," Lew said.

"We have only made changes to the faces on our currency a few times since bills were first put into circulation, and I'm proud that the new 10 will be the first bill in more than a century to feature the portrait of a woman," he said in a statement.

Historically, the Secretary has relied on the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to provide advice on themes, symbols and concepts to be used on currency. However, for the newly redesigned USD 10 note, Lew is seeking input from the public about what qualities best represent democracy to help guide the design process for the next generation of notes.

Over the summer, Lew, Deputy Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin, Treasurer Rosie Rios and other Administration officials will be conducting round tables, town halls, and other meetings to collect input.

Throughout the process, Treasury will also be reviewing comments submitted via thenew10.treasury.gov, as well as those posted on social media using "TheNew10" hashtag, or #TheNew10. Treasury staff will review the input received and provide information to Lew over the course of the discussion.

PTI