Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said that the public’s opinion would weigh heavily in his decision over which woman should take Alexander Hamilton’s spot on the $10 bill. | Getty $10 bill decision delayed as Hamilton successor debate continues

Alexander Hamilton has been saved, for now.

The decision to select the woman who would take Alexander Hamilton’s spot on the $10 bill will be postponed until next year, a Treasury spokesperson announced Friday.


The delay was spurred by a slew of public comments about who should inherit the spot currently held by the first treasury secretary, who adopted the post in 1789. Treasury officials initially announced in June that the decision would be reached by the end of 2015.

Some heavy hitters in Washington, such as the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke, have published fierce criticism about Hamilton’s likely demotion.

Despite the push back, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said the public’s opinion would weigh heavily in his decision. A spokesperson added that the Treasury Department had a surplus of ideas prompted by outsiders.

"As a result of the tremendous amount of engagement, we have many more ideas than we had originally anticipated. Therefore, we are taking additional time to carefully review and consider a range of options to honor the theme of democracy as well as the notable contributions women have made to our country," she told CBS News.

The $10 bill in its updated form is set to be released in 2020, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women legal voting status.

Opposition to placing a woman on the $10 bill ranges from those who say the denomination should be of a higher value, such as $20, to those who argue that Hamilton’s historical and current relevance would be best commemorated in its current monetary form.

“The process is about more than just one square inch on a bill, and we look forward to sharing the secretary’s decision on currency redesign in the new year,” the spokesperson added.

In June, POLITICO tallied that Hamilton’s face has been featured on more denominations of currency in the U.S. than any other person since the 1860s. His legacy is commemorated in a variety of American staples, from non-profit institutions to an off-Broadway musical.