Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill
Harriet Tubman was selected to appear on the redesigned $20 bill. The U.S. Treasury announced the plan to feature her portrait on the front of the note, replacing Andrew Jackson, while keeping Jackson on the reverse. The redesign is part of a broader effort to recognize leaders of the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement.
Timeline and Redesign Status
The Treasury Department has delayed the release of the new $20 note several times. Originally scheduled for 2020, the rollout has been pushed back to align with other security and design updates. As of recent announcements, the new $20 bill is still in development, with no final circulation date confirmed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Why Harriet Tubman Was Chosen
Tubman was chosen for her role leading enslaved people to freedom through the Underground Railroad and her service as a scout, spy, and nurse during the Civil War. Her selection reflects a broader effort to highlight women and civil rights figures on U.S. currency. The decision followed public consultations and recommendations from advisory panels focused on American history and representation.
For more details on the redesign and historical context, visit the U.S. Department of the Treasury's official page on currency redesign at U.S. Treasury Currency Redesign.
