In God We Trust

buc

I was just looking through my type set and noticed that the buffalo Nickel doesn't have "In God We Trust" on the coin. I don't know that I've ever heard any discussion about this and does anyone know why? Just curious.

astrorat

The reason it is not on the Buffalo nickel is that "In God We Trust" was not required by law to be on all coins until 1955. Up until Eisenhower signed the law in July of 1955, it was customary for the motto to appear on coins, but not law. Of course, the first appearance of the motto was on the 1864 two-cent piece.

Lane

Aethelred

Where would it go on the Buffalo? I think it would make the design look to busy.

njcoincrank

Check out the recently released buffalo dollar. I'm sure it's on there.

njcoincrank

Aethelred

<< <i>Check out the recently released buffalo dollar. I'm sure it's on there.

njcoincrank >>



Yeah, but that is a crappy looking coin! Looks like a silver round.

oreville

NJCOINCRANK:

I have 155 raw buffalo dollars and never even looked!

Aethelred

<< <i>NJCOINCRANK:

I have 155 raw buffalo dollars and never even looked! >>

njcoincrank

oreville,

Well then, start looking man. Hurry.

njcoincrank

Prometheus183

Don't know the lawful reason, but just as well. If you think about it, native Americans weren't Christians. They believed (and still do) in many spirits.
It's only fitting IMO that those words should not appear on any coinage that bears the image of a native American.

The Sacagawea, for example, is one that should not bear the inscription. Although I'm not native American in whole, my beliefs are not that of a so called Christian nature, but that's another story.
I feel that if the native Americans had been more unified, organized, and communicated as well as the Scots during England's attempt of reign over Scottland, the U.S. might have had a president today by a name that resembles Joe Eagle Claw.

Contrary to popular belief, this country wasn't based on Christianity, it was based on "I'll do what the hell I want", period.
Funny how it didn't seem to hurt anyone but the king of England. Did God tell him to smite the colonials and conquer America?
Nahhhhh... his manhood was shortened a couple inches, so he took a metaphoric Viagra and set out to spank the colonials.

Woah,.... the thought just ocurred to me,... if the U.S. keeps breeding morons on a regular basis, and crime rates continue to soar,... I mean between ebonics, common slang, and the other 17 languages that are spoken in the US now days that render most of us unable to communicate amongst one another, it might not be too long before another nation comes in, kills off half the nation, and tells the rest of us on what reservation we're going to live.

Forgive my sarcasm and my way OT reference, but hey, I didn't bring it up.

Be careful what you ask, Craig might answer.

Conder101

<< <i>The reason it is not on the Buffalo nickel is that "In God We Trust" was not required by law to be on all coins until 1955. >>


I'm afraid I have to disagree with Astrorat on this one. The reason it isn't on the buffalo nickel is because the Sec of the Treasury chose to ignore the law. The Act of Feb 12 1873 required the motto to appear on all coins of sufficient size to permit its use. (actual text: "and the Director of the Mint with the approval of the Sec of the Treasury, may cause the motto 'In God We Trust' to be inscribed upon such coins as shall admit of such a motto". And when the motto was restored to the gold eagle and double eagle in 1908 the text of the law stated in part that the motto should appear on all coins upon which it had appeared previously. The motto had appeared on the nickel five cent piece from 1866 - 1883 so by the 1908 law it had to appear on the buffalo nickel as well.

buc

Thanks Condor, that's the answer I was looking for, some good numismatic information.