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The U.S.
One Dollar Bill & Freemasonry
plus Interesting Facts about the Dollar Bill
Note: The Great Seal of the United States can be easily viewed on the back of a
one-dollar bill. Although the colors mentioned in this article won't be visible,
it is still an easily obtained reference point for your convenience.
The OBVERSE is on the right side (the eagle), while the REVERSE is on the
left side (the pyramid) of the instrument.
A link to a brief video on the dollar
bill appears at the very end of this page.
Man is an enigmatic creature having a dual nature,
temporal and spiritual. His institutions reflect the
multiple facets of his complex and varied mental processes.
He is at once occupied with the routine of satisfying the
basic human needs for food, clothing, and shelter and the
less tangible and more varied spiritual and social needs.
His viewpoints are as varied as the individuals, subject not
only to the external changes of environment but to self-
created internal changes. Man alone has within himself any
considerable power of thought or imagination. One facet of
man's behavior to come out of his imagination, superstition,
spiritual groping, and reasoning is symbolism.
Signs, pictures, objects, emblems, words, numerals,
music, or any means of conveying ideas from one individual to
another become the vehicle of symbolism or symbols. Certain
of man's activities lend themselves more readily to symbolism
than others. The ritual of Freemasonry is especially rich in
symbols - familiar things that convey a hidden meaning to the
initiated. Philosophic Masonry is the heir to the symbolism
practiced in the ancient mysteries, the Hebrew Cabal, and
medieval Rosicrucian societies.
In this present age, where material things engross
almost every waking hour, symbolism has lost much of its
fascination, but this was not so in the eighteenth century
when the [American] revolutionary heroes pledged their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honor to the erection of the
new nation. As the crisis moved toward its climax the ideals
for which they fought began to assume symbolic form. Late in
the afternoon of July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress
"resolved, that Dr. Franklin, Mr. J. Adams and Mr. Jefferson
be a committee to prepare a device for a Seal of the United
States of America." On August 20 the committee reported its
design to Congress; but the report was tabled, and for three
years and a half no further action was taken. On March 25,
1780, the report of the first committee was referred to a new
committee consisting of James Lovell, John Morin Scott, and
William Churchill Houston. This committee received artistic
assistance from Francis Hopkinson. A new design was reported
on May 10 (or 11), 1780, but debate was followed by
recommital to the committee with no further progress for two
more years. In the spring of 1782, a third committee,
composed of Arthur Middleton, John Rutledge, and Elias
Boudinot with the assistance of William Barton, A.M.,
reported a third design for a seal to congress which was also
found not satisfactory. On June 13, 1782, Congress referred
all of the committee reports to Charles Thomason, Secretary
of Congress. Thomason prepared a design from these reports
and submitted it to Barton who suggested a few changes on
June 19, 1782. Thomason immediately wrote his report to
Congress and submitted it on June 20, 1782; the report was
accepted the same day and thus the design of the great seal
was fixed. It is described as follows:
ARMS: Paleways of thirteen pieces, argent and gules;
a chief, azure; the
escutcheon on the breast of the American eagle displayed proper,
holding in his dexter talon an olive branch, and in his sinister a
bundle of thirteen arrows, all proper, and in his beak a scroll, inscribed
with the motto,
"E PLURIBUS UNUM."
For the CREST: Over the head of the eagle, which
appears above the escutcheon, a glory, or, breaking
through a cloud, proper, and surrounding thirteen stars,
forming a constellation, argent, on an azure field.
REVERSE: A pyramid unfinished. In the
zenith,an eye in a triangle, surrounded with a glory proper. Over the eye these words, "ANNUIT
COEPTIS." On the base of
the pyramid the numerical letters MDCCLXXVI. And
underneath the following motto, "NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM."
Among those who helped design the Great Seal of the
United States the following are known to have been Masons:
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, William Churchill
Houston, and William Barton. Whether they drew heavily upon
Freemasonry in this work it is impossible to assert but when
an informed Mason examines the Great Seal here is what he
sees:
On the obverse is an eagle whose dexter wing has thirty-
two feathers, the number of ordinary degrees in Scottish Rite
Freemasonry. The sinister wing has thirty-three feathers,
the additional feather corresponding to the Thirty-Third
Degree of the same Rite conferred for outstanding Masonic
service. The tail feathers number nine, the number of
degrees in the Chapter, Council, and Commandery of the York
Rite of Freemasonry. Scottish Rite Masonry had its origin in
France; the York Rite is sometimes called the American Rite;
the eagle thus clothed represents the union of French and
American Masons in the struggle for Liberty, Equality, and
Fraternity. The total number of feathers in the two wings is
sixty-five which, by gematria, is the value of the Hebrew
phrase YAM YAWCHOD (together in unity). This phrase appears
in Psalm 133 as follows: "Behold, how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," and is used
in the ritual of the first degree of Freemasonry. The glory
above the eagle's head is divided into twenty-four equal
parts and reminds the observer of the Mason's gauge which is
also divided into twenty-four equal parts and is emblematic
of the service he is obligated to perform. The five pointed
stars remind him of the Masonic Blazing Star and the five
points of fellowship. The arrangement of the stars in the
constellation to form overlapping equilateral triangles and
the Star of David calls to the Mason's mind King David's
dream of building a Temple, to his God, the Companions who
rebuilt a desecrated Temple, and the finding of the Word that
was lost. The gold, silver, and azure colors represent the
sun, moon, and Worshipful Master, the first that rules the
day, the second, the night, and the third, the lodge. While
silver, connected with the letter Gimel or G and being
surrounded on an azure ground by a golden glory, reminds the
Mason of the letter G, a most conspicuous furnishing of a
proper lodge room. The shield on the eagle's breast affirms
by its colors, valor (red), purity (white), and justice
(blue), and reminds the Mason of the cardinal virtues. The
value of these colors, by gematria, is 103, the value of the
phrase EHBEN HA-ADAM (the stone of Adam) and suggests the
perfect ashlar, or squared stone, of Freemasonry. One
hundred and three is also the value of the noun BONAIM, a
Rabbinical word signifying "builders, Masons." Thus the
national colors spell out, by gematria, the name of the
fraternity. The scroll in the eagle's beak, bearing the
words
"E PLURIBUS UNUM"
(of many one) reminds him also of the
unity which has made brothers of many.
On the reverse, is the All Seeing Eye within a triangle
surrounded by a golden glory. Besides the obvious Masonic
significance of this design, it has a cabalistic value of
seventy plus three plus two hundred, equaling two hundred and
seventy-three which is the value of the phrase EHBEN MOSU
HABONIM (the stone which the builders refused) familiar to
all Royal Arch Masons. It is also the value of the Hebrew
proper noun HIRAM ABIFF, the architect of Solomon's Temple
and the principal character of the legend used in the Master
Mason degree. The triangle is isosceles, formed by two right
triangles having sides of five, twelve, and thirteen units in
length, illustrating the 47th Problem of Euclid. The
triangle also represents the capstone of the unfinished
pyramid and reminds the Mason of the immortality of the soul
and that in eternity he will complete the capstone of his
earthly labors according to the designs on the trestle-board
of the Supreme Architect of the Universe. The unfinished
pyramid cannot fail to remind him of the unfinished condition
of the Temple when tragedy struck down its Master architect.
The blaze of glory found on either side of the Great
Seal cannot fail to remind the Mason of the Great Light in
Masonry which is the rule and guide to faith and practice and
without which no Masonic lodge can exist. It reminds him
that only more light can dispel the pall of ignorance in
which he stumbles until he enters the Celestial Lodge where
all light is given.
Interesting facts about the one dollar bill:
In its present design the one dollar bill came off the presses for the first
time in the year 1957. Prior to 1957 the one dollar bill was backed by one
ounce of silver. Today, one ounce of silver is worth far more than the
dollar - but that means that the dollar bill we now have is worth less than a
dollar prior to 1957.
American one dollar bills have been known as PAPER MONEY for many years.
Have you ever laundered your money on an accident and noticed it did not come to
pieces? Paper gets wet and soggy in a sudden storm. Dollar bills don't. Maybe they
are called paper money but in fact dollar bills are a cotton and linen blend,
with minute silk fibers of red, white and blue weaved through it. That means it
is actually cloth, like the shirt on your back. The one dollar bill you're looking at first came off the presses in 1957 in
its present design. It is actually
material. We've all washed it without it falling apart. A special blend of ink
is used, the contents we will never know. Next, the one dollar bills are
overprinted with symbols. Then they are starched to make them water resistant
and pressed to give them that snappy, crisp look we all love.
If you look on the front of the bill, on the right hand
side, pasted below the superimposed word "ONE" you will see the United States
Treasury Seal. At the top in the center you will see the scales -- the symbol
for a national desire for a balanced budget and for justice. Just below the
scales there is a chevron with thirteen stars. Underneath the chevron, and
still inside the Seal, is a key, symbol of the authority of the United States
and its Treasury. Directly beneath the seal is the signature of the Secretary of the United
States Treasury. Just to the left of his (or her) signature is the series year
-- 2001, 1957, etc. On the left handd side of the bill, on the bottom, is the signature of the
Treasurer of the United States, who oversees the U.S. Mint and Bureau of
Engraving and Printing.
There are two big 1s in both upper corners. There are
two smaller 1s in both lower corners. The two big numbers on top are enclosed
in different settings. The two smaller numbers on bottom are enclosed in the
same setting. 32 one dollar bills are printed each time the plate
comes down.
Directly below the big number 1 on the upper top of the one
dollar bill is a large letter, and a small number. The letter
indicates which row the bill you are looking at was taken from.
The number beside the letter indicates the position of the bill on that row. Just above the small one on the right hand side of the one dollar bill is a
very small number and letter combination which tells exactly which specific
plate was used to print this particular bill.
Now we reintroduce the Seal so that you can go directly across George's
picture to the Bank seal on the left hand side in the same position. You will
notice it has a LARGE letter in the center of the seal. These letters identify
the bank that issued the bill. The letter K, for example, indicates that the
Federal Reserve Bank in DALLAS Texas issued the bill. The Letter J identifies
the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City Missouri. If the letter B is there the
bill was issued in New York. The letter D indicates the Federal Reserve Bank in
Cleveland Ohio. The letter H indicates the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis
Missouri. E indicates the Federal Reserve Bank in Richmond Virginia, etc..
Now we are ready to look at the SERIAL NUMBERS. There is one in the lower
left hand portion of the one dollar bill, and a matching number in the upper
right hand portion. The letter which precedes the numbers must be the same
number that you saw identifying the Federal Reserve Bank. J for J. B for B,
and D for D.
Interestingly enough, if you read off the serial number and give a DIFFERENT
first letter than the one actually on the bill, the Treasury Department can tell
instantly that you have made a mistake, or have a counterfeit bill in your
hands. In the upper left hand corner -- beside the ROW identifier I mentioned
previously, you will find a NUMBER. It is rather inconspicuous unless you are
looking for it. This number is yet another identifier of the issuing bank. The
number "2" (for example) must match the letter B in the issuing bank's seal.
The same number will be found similarly in close proximity to each of the number
1s in each of the four corners of the one dollar bill.
The letter which trails after the numerals in serial number reveals how many
times the exact same serial number has run. The letter A identifies it as the
first run, and the letter Z identifies it as the 26th run with 32 bills printed
on each run. Consequently, there can only be 832 bills printed with the same
numbers.
A revolutionary American creation, the Great Seal is a unique combination
of natural elements (eagle, olive branch, stars, cloud, light rays, eye)
and universal symbols (pyramid, arrows, shield). If you look at the left-hand circle of the Great Seal, you will see a pyramid.
This pyramid was not a part of the proposals for the Great Seal until the third
committee, and it was NOT suggested by Jefferson, Franklin, or Adams. Charles
Thompson said the pyramid represented "Strength and Duration." Furthermore,
Francis Hopkinson, a literary man of letters, is credited with being the first
to use the pyramid on American money.
Notice the face is lighted, and the western side is dark.
Although there is no "official" explanation for the shading, some have
chosen to interpret this as a reflection that our country was just beginning.
We had not even begun to explore the West. Indeed, only a scant few years
before this, Virginia's official state boundaries had extended from the
Atlantic ocean all the way to the Pacific ocean. Nor had America decided what
we could do for Western Civilization.
The Pyramid is un-capped, again signifying that we were not even close to
being finished. The Latin above the pyramid, ANNUIT COEPTIS,
means, "God has favored our undertaking." The Latin below the pyramid, NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM,
means, "a new order for the ages." Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to change the
meaning slightly to "a new order has begun," wanting to connect that with a "New
Deal". At the base of the pyramid is the Roman Numerals symbol for 1776.
If you look at the right-hand circle, and check it carefully, you will notice
that it is reproduced on every National Cemetery in the United States. It is
also on the Parade of Flags Walkway at the Bushnell, Florida National Cemetery,
and it is the centerpiece of most monuments for heroes. Only slightly modified,
it is recognizable as the seal of the President of the United States, and it is
always visible whenever he speaks.
Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on its
own. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying Congress, a
unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation.
The Bald Eagle was selected as a symbol for victory for two reasons: first, he
is not afraid of a storm; he is strong and he is smart enough to soar above it.
Secondly, he wears no material crown. We had just broken from the King of
England. Also, notice the shield is unsupported. This country can now stand on
its own. At the top of that shield you have a white bar signifying congress, a
unifying factor. We were coming together as one nation. In the Eagle's beak you
will read, "E PLURIBUS UNUM", meaning "Out of many, one". Above the
Eagle you have thirteen stars representing the thirteen original colonies, and
any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming together as one.
Representing the thirteen original
colonies, and any clouds of misunderstanding rolling away. Again, we were coming
together as one. These symbols are taken from the American flag and officially,
the red represents hardiness and valor, the white represents purity and
innocence, and the blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Notice what
the Eagle holds in his talons. He holds an olive branch and arrows. This country
wants peace, but we will never be afraid to fight to preserve peace. The Eagle
always wants to face the olive branch, but in time of war, his gaze turns toward
the arrows.
It is said that the number 13 is an unlucky number. This is almost a
worldwide belief. You will usually never see a numbered 13 or any buildings
with a 13th floor.
But, think about this:
13 original colonies,
13 stripes on our flag,
13 steps on the Pyramid,
13 letters in the Latin above,
13 letters in "E Pluribus Unum",
13 stars above the Eagle,
13 plumes of feathers on each span of the Eagle's wing,
13 bars on that shield,
13 leaves on the olive branch,
13 fruits and, if you look closely,
13 arrows and the 13th Amendment
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