Good News, Hamilton Fans: It Looks Like He Might Be Staying on the $10 Bill

The Broadway show “Hamilton” created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is at the top of almost everyone’s must-see list. Based on the story of Alexander Hamilton–founding father, treasury secretary, and winner of the most awkward death award–the musical retells Hamilton’s story for a 21st century audience. The musical has attracted so many fans, in fact, that many were unhappy to hear that the Treasury Department was considering removing Hamilton from the $10 bill. But according to Miranda, Hamilton fans won’t be disappointed with the new bill.

The $10 bill is being redesigned after protests gained traction last year to put a woman on American currency. While the campaign “Women on 20s” originally aimed to change the $20 bill and remove Andrew Jackson’s likeness, the $10 was chosen for a female-friendly re-design instead. According to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, the choice was because it would help stop counterfeiting. He said “currency is primarily redesigned as necessary to address current and potential security threats to currency notes.”

However, when it was announced that the $10 would be redesigned and feature a woman, the reactions were mixed. While it will be great to see a woman’s face on the $10, Hamilton is significantly more beloved than Jackson’s–one of Jackson’s biggest legacies was signing the horrendous Indian Removal Act of 1830.

But never fear, Hamilton fans (or “Hamilton” fans)–as Miranda recently tweeted this good news:

I talked to @USTreasury about this on Monday. Sec. Lew told me “you’re going to be very happy.” #wegetthejobdonehttps://t.co/ZkLFuSmz8M

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) March 16, 2016

Lew’s office also released the following statement:

On Monday, Secretary Lew welcomed Lin-Manuel Miranda to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Secretary and Miranda talked about the enduring mark Alexander Hamilton left on our nation’s history, and the Secretary provided a brief tour of Hamilton’s possessions and portraits on display at the Treasury Department.

The Secretary thanked Miranda for the ingenious way in which he has been able to tell Hamilton’s story and ignite a renewed interest in one of our nation’s founding fathers. Secretary Lew also reiterated his commitment to continue to honor Alexander Hamilton on the 10 dollar bill.

It will be interesting to see how Hamilton is incorporated in the new redesign–and also how whatever woman is chosen will be featured. It’s expected that the new bill will be launched in 2020, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of American women getting the right to vote.

Anneliese Mahoney

Anneliese Mahoney is Managing Editor at Law Street and a Connecticut transplant to Washington D.C. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University, and a passion for law, politics, and social issues. Contact Anneliese at amahoney@LawStreetMedia.com.