Finally, after petitioning congress to mint a coin commemorating Mark Twain, President Obama signed into law, H. R. 2453: The Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act. Previously, the act passed Congress with 408 signatures, and 67 signatures from the Senate (the list).

Ironically, Twain’s coin will include the U.S. motto “In God We Trust,” and perhaps, not since the Susan B. Anthony dollar, were the words more a paradox unto themselves.

Many are probably not aware that the phrase “In God We Trust” began being engraved on coins while Twain was alive, and that he had a lot to say about it. William E. Phillips, in his book, Mark Twain’s Religion, writes that it was during the Civil War that the federal mint began including the phrase, and that they did so without legal sanction. He also states that this motto was quickly endorsed by clergymen who believed that “the United States is a Christian country even though the writers of the Constitution overlooked mentioning that fact” (156).

Always the genius, Mark Twain responded to the support for the mint’s actions by saying that the United States should also recognize “that Americans also populate hell, for Jesus said most people choose to move down the wide road that leads to destruction.” Twain contended that the slogan’s “theological propaganda” should be removed from the coins since it exposed that America was lying. He suggested that the since most of the nation’s trust was in the Republican Party (Lincoln, etc.), and the dollar, the slogan would be more truthful if it designated the paper it was written on as “the god we trust in” (ibid).

Once Twain supposed the motto was going to stick, he advocated that the wording should at least be more honest. Back to Phipps:

But recognizing that the motto was not likely to be reversed or removed, he suggested a more honest replacement, “‘Within certain judicious limitations we trust in God,’ and if there isn’t enough room on the coin for this, why, enlarge the coin.” He also ventured this qualified approval: “It is the choicest compliment that has ever been paid us, and the most gratifying to our feelings. It is simple, direct, gracefully phrased; it always sounds well—In God We Trust. I don’t believe it would sound any better if it were true. And in a measure it is true—half the nation trusts in Him” (156-157).

Nonetheless, as the motto continued to be debated by the public, a congressional mandate was passed to continue placing “In God We Trust” on coins and currency. However, it would not become the official motto of the United States until 1956.

At the very least, Twain would have a field day (with frog jumping competitions I’m sure) over these words being placed on his coin. Yet, causticness aside, I’m happy he is getting some deserved recognition.

Brother Richard

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