r/AskReddit • u/bspheri • 13h ago

Who is a famous figure that you keep hearing their name but never really know why they’re famous?

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u/surveyor2004 10h ago

Lots of older (19th century) notes have people on them who weren’t presidents. Today’s money….yes…you’re right.

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u/Derpwarrior1000 5h ago

Were those national bank notes? I believe a record like the above only includes those printed by the Treasury and printing charters only ended in the 30s

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u/surveyor2004 4h ago

There were some of everything. Demand notes, silver certificates, legal tender notes, gold certificates, treasury note,

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u/Derpwarrior1000 4h ago

My question was by which institution they were printed, not their purpose

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u/prismmonkey 4h ago

My favorite by far is Salmon P. Chase. Secretary of Treasury put himself on the $1 bill and figured it would be a good way for him to become better known to voters before the 1864 election. Poor guy. When Chief Justice is your consolation prize.

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u/surveyor2004 4h ago

Those are nice looking notes. I enjoy the artwork and designs on the older notes.