One of the most counterfeited pieces of U.S. currency is the $20 bill. That'S understandable, considering it's one of the most commonly tendered large bills. Try to pass off a $100 bill, and chances are the sales clerk will test it with a special pen. But a $20? Everyone simply assumes they're genuine.
The same could be said for the man pictured on the $20 bill. Andrew Jackson was known as "Old Hickory," a nickname earned when he served in the War of 1812. By the accounts of standard history, Jackson was a straight-shooting "man's man." By other accounts, he was as weird as a $21 bill – and with his appearance on the newest presidential golden $1 coin, that's exactly what the two denominations add up to.
Having grown up with little money or education in the Carolinas, Jackson was captured by the British during the America Revolution when he was just 13.
After surviving smallpox, he pursued a career in law. Although he was in law school, it's unclear just what side of the law Jackson might end up on. His curriculum is said to have included "reading, clerking, fighting, drinking and vandalism."
By the time he arrived in Washington, Jackson had nothing but disdain for those in power. After his presidential bid and defeat to John Quincy Adams he became convinced "Washington was run by a bunch of dandified, overeducated crooks."
His assessment of the Washington crowd was no doubt underscored by the fact that he reveled in violence. While practicing law in Tennessee he attacked a tax dodger with a wooden club. He was also involved in at least 100 pistol duels (resulting in multiple bullet wounds, including one next to his heart he carried for life and two others that almost caused the amputation of his arm).
Convinced that politicians had shortchanged the American people by putting their friends and cronies in positions of power, Jackson formed the Democratic Party – based on a co-opted version of Thomas Jefferson's Republican party. After winning the presidency (the first Democrat to hold the office), he in turn rewarded his own friends with government positions.
After he created substantial problems over states' rights, some began referring to him as "King Andrew the First."
In time, the 6-foot head of state might, as author Cormac O'Brien noted, have been better named "Old Sickery." He developed bronchitis, headaches and diarrhea. His legs and feet swelled, making walking difficult, and his teeth rotted from drinking alcohol, smoking and chewing tobacco.
I suppose all that doesn't entirely negate Jackson's heroic early years when he led troops to fight back the British in 1815, stopping an almost guaranteed invasion of New Orleans. He was a patriot – a strange, bizarre and maniacal one – but a patriot nevertheless. Then again, it may be hard to look at his likeness on a $20 bill or the golden dollar coin the same again.
The new dollar coin will be released and available in the coming weeks at local banks or directly from the U.S. Mint at (800) 872-6468.
Peter Rexford writes for Creators Syndicate. Contact him at P.O. Box 50377, St. Louis, MO 63105.
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