Who's Who: Famous People on US Currency Quiz

Answer: Abraham Lincoln

Of course, Abraham Lincoln's nickname comes from the fact that he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 to free the slaves. He was president during one of the most critical times in U.S. history; during the American Civil War he not only freed the slaves, but he preserved the Union as well. Lincoln was also known as "The Ancient One", for his wisdom, by those who served him in the White House. Another nickname, "The Rail Splitter", was given to him during the 1860 Illinois State Republican Convention, in reference to one of the jobs Lincoln held before he became a lawyer.

In 1909, on the 100th anniversary of his birth, it was decided that Lincoln's portrait would be placed on the penny. The 16th President's picture was first placed on some $5 bills in 1914; since 1928 his image has been on all fivers.

Answer: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, as the main writer of the Declaration of Independence, which was written to announce war with Great Britain and the fact that the colonials no longer wished to be part of the British Empire, was known as "The Apostle of Democracy." After serving as Secretary of State and Vice President, Jefferson served as the third president of the United States; following his two terms as president, Jefferson retired to his home, Monticello, and worked to establish the University of Virginia. During this time he was known as "The Sage of Monticello". A proponent of the idea of individual liberties that all men should possess, Jefferson is also known as "The Man of the People".

In 1938 it was decided that the Buffalo nickel would no longer be minted. The president at the time, Franklin Roosevelt, admired Thomas Jefferson and sponsored a contest to design a new nickel to honor him. In 1976 it was decided to resume printing of $2 bills, and Jefferson's portrait was chosen for the obverse of the bill.

Answer: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin Roosevelt had already been President for two terms before he was called "The Sphinx" by news reporters and political satirists who simply wanted to know if he planned to run for a third term. In fact, in 1939 he was given a large, 8 foot tall Sphinx statue that can still be seen at the FDR Presidential Library. He is also one of just a few Presidents known by their initials - "FDR" - and was called "King Franklin" because some felt that he sometimes used his power of executive privilege too often.

The Franklin dime was issued in 1946, one year after FDR's death. FDR had been elected to an unprecedented four presidential terms of office. Although he was able to conceal the fact that he had polio for many years, he actively worked to help find a cure for a disease that afflicted so many people. He believed that if all Americans would give one dime, a cure could be found. His program would later be called the March of Dimes.

Answer: George Washington

As Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington's leadership insured colonial success during the American Revolution. Not only that, but he was elected as the first President of the United States, and held the position for two terms; as such, he is known as "The Father of His Country". He was also called "The American Cincinnatus" because, like the ancient Roman, Cincinnatus, he became a private citizen after serving his country, refusing to serve a third term. To this day, he is the only U.S. president who was unanimously elected by the Electoral College.

The Washington quarter was first made in 1932 to celebrate the bicentennial of the great President's birth. Since 1929 his picture has also been on the $1 bill, which is also called a buck or a greenback.

Answer: John Kennedy

"Jack", traditionally a nickname for "John", was a name that John's family used for him as a boy growing up. The 35th president is also commonly known by his initials, "JFK", which stand for John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It is curious that few other nicknames can be found; his untimely death certainly cut short his opportunity to make another name for himself.

Kennedy's portrait was used on the half dollar in 1964, just a year after his death. After the assassination, Congress wanted to issue a coin in his honor as quickly as possible. My young grandson likes all coins, but - smart boy - likes the JFK ones best! Of course, it is necessary to make sure one's bank has a slot large enough to accommodate the size of the coin!

Answer: Alexander Hamilton

During the American Revolution, Alexander Hamilton was given the nickname "The Little Lion" because of his small stature and bright red hair. As a student at King's College, he joined a volunteer group called the Corsicans, and eventually was elected captain of the New York Provincial Company of Artillery. During the War he was also called "Hammy" by other officers.

Hamilton would eventually serve as General Washington's chief staff aide for four years during the Revolutionary War. Once the new country was formed, he was chosen to be the first Secretary of the Treasury, and had a lasting influence on the development of the economy and finances of the U.S, as well as the establishment of the U.S. Mint. His portrait has been on the $10 bill since 1928.

Answer: Andrew Jackson

In 1815 Brevet Major General Andrew Jackson led troops of the U.S. Army to victory against the British at New Orleans, ending the War of 1812 once and for all, and becoming "The Hero of New Orleans". The Treaty of Ghent has already been signed in 1814, however, news hadn't made it to the US! Jackson's men had already given him the nickname "Old Hickory" because of his toughness.

Not only did Jackson serve in the US Army, he also served in both houses of Congress, and completed two terms as President. Even though his portrait has been on the $20 bill since 1928, the U.S. Treasury Department has stated that there is not a clear-cut reason as to why. There has been some talk in recent years that it's time to share the honor with someone else now. Only time will tell.

Answer: Dwight Eisenhower

Dwight Eisenhower had five brothers while growing up in Kansas; at one stage or another, each brother was nicknamed "Ike". At one point, his older brother Edgar was known as "Big Ike", while Dwight was called "Little Ike". As he worked his way through the military, eventually rising to the rank of Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower eventually became known as "General Ike". During his college years he was also called "The Kansas Cyclone" for his ability to play running back in football.

The Eisenhower Dollar was issued from 1971-78 for a dual purpose; the obverse side of the coin that featured Eisenhower's portrait was made to honor the general and president. The reverse side of the coin honored the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

Answer: Benjamin Franklin

Because of his endless promotion of American unity, as well as his role as the first American ambassador to France, the most important ally during the American Revolution, Franklin has been given the nickname "The First American". He has been called "The Prophet of Tolerance" because of his patience and willingness to accept all people, and, because of his scientific experiments and discoveries, he has been dubbed "The Newton of Electricity".

Franklin's image has been on the obverse side of the $100 bill since 1914, earning the bill the nickname "Bens". For reasons already stated, he is considered by many to be one of the more important Founding Fathers of the United States.

Answer: Ulysses S. Grant

Did you know that Ulysses S. Grant's birth name was Hiram Ulysses Grant? When Grant sought a nomination to West Point, his sponsor's mistake turned him into Ulysses S. Grant and the "S" stands for nothing! Once accepted into the prestigious academy, Grant found that he could not change his name back. But you have to admit, it was a fortuitous error! His classmates called him Uncle Sam, but the really cool nickname "Unconditional Surrender" came after his demands at the 1862 Battle of Fort Donelson.

Grant's picture has been found on the $50 bill since 1913. Not only was he the 18th President, Grant was also the General of the Army who helped President Lincoln preserve the Union. Let's face it: anyone known as the "Great Hammerer" needs to be recognized!