Cross-Examining Dollar Bills
While the finding uncovered by a TikTok user may not appear as meaningful as a theory about the government or a famous celebrity, it has still prompted extensive discussion and controversy.
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Artur Simonian (@artur_simonian) recently posted a video displaying both sides of five US dollar bills. He showed the $50, $20, $10, $5, and $1.
The Shocking Discovery
It’s no secret that each note in the US currency series displays a different portrait of a former President and a different revered government building. However, Artur Simonian noticed something odd about the $5 bill that features Abraham Lincoln.
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In particular, Simonian observed that one of the buildings on the bill’s reverse side does not, like the rest, include an American flag. Lincoln is revered for many reasons, including his work to end the Civil War and abolish slavery.
The Unique $5 Bill
All the previous US presidents enslaved people except for Alexander Hamilton, who never served as president. Besides the $5 bill portraying Abraham Lincoln, all of the other banknotes’ backs display a flag of the United States.
Source: Karolina Grabowska/Pixabay
This disparity makes it possible to conclude that the US Mint had something against Abraham Lincoln. The lack of the American flag from the $5 bill’s featured structure might be more than a simple error.
Lincoln’s Presidency and the Unique $5 Design
Lincoln’s presidency was a tumultuous time for some. The lack of the American flag from the structure on the $5 note may appear as a state of the Union during Lincoln’s presidency. The reasoning for this design decision is unknown.
Source: Karolina Grabowska/Pixabay
Nonetheless, many TikTok users have expressed their shock at the news. While some were pleased by Simonian’s insight, others may have questioned his level of sobriety when he posted his video.
The Audience Had Mixed Feelings
American currency’s unique design characteristics and symbolic meanings have been the subject of much debate since Artur Simonian’s TikTok video featuring the notes went viral.
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Some have speculated that the design was meant to reflect the turbulent status of the Union during Lincoln’s administration, while others have yet to come to any conclusions.