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The Federal Reserve Board has posted some interesting facts about United States currency, such as how long a dollar bill remains in circulation (about 21 months) and what happens when paper currency becomes too worn (it's shredded). While all of this is interesting, the most fascinating aspects of the dollar bill are the symbols on both the obverse and reverse sides, and what they stand for.

Several years ago, author Dan Brown published "The Da Vinci Code", which set off a maelstrom of controversy over the main theme of the plot, which involved the secret society of the Illuminati. While Brown's book was a work of fiction, the Illuminati itself is not; it is thought that the fraternity may have influenced some of the symbolism found on the United States dollar.

The symbols on both the obverse and reverse side of the bill have fascinated numerologists and symbolism experts for years. Truthfully, the average American has no idea of what is represented by much of the detail, even though it's resplendent with rich symbolism. Following is a list of some of the imagery therein.

The Great Seal of the United States

The reverse of the Great Seal is on the left side on the back of the bill; it depicts the image of an unfinished pyramid. The detached cap of the structure has the "all seeing eye" of God on the front; its unfinished state demonstrates that the United States is a work in progress, that the American experiment is not yet complete.

The rising sun behind the eye signifies that a new nation has begun; the shadows cast by the pyramid demonstrate the uncharted and undiscovered lands to the west. Above the "Eye" is the Latin phrase "Annuit Ceoptis", which is translated by the United States Treasury Department as "He [God] favors our undertakings."

Connection to the Illuminati

There are thirteen steps on the pyramid, which has led some to make the connection to the Illuminati; additionally the eagle on the bill is clutching thirteen arrows.

How accurate is this correlation? While it may have some plausibility, the link is more often (and probably more accurately) associated between the number thirteen and the fraternity of the Freemasons. The Illuminati, which was formed by a law professor in Germany in 1776, tried to make inroads into the Freemason society, but a falling out made such a melding of thought between the two quite short-lived.

The Freemasons had quite a bit of influence during the early days of the United States. In 1734, Benjamin Franklin became the Grand Master; some historians believe that George Washington (also a freemason) appointed some of his commanders based on their Freemason status.

As for the dollar bill, if one holds a Masonic square and compass over the pyramid, the letters at the points will spell out "Mason", most certainly a reference the brotherhood of the Freemasons.

The Eagle

On the obverse side of the Great Seal is a bald eagle, the national bird of the United States. In front of the eagle is a freestanding, unsupported shield. The implication is that the United States, though a new nation, can stand on its own.

The number 13 is prominent on the bill; in fact, it appears in some form 13 times. In addition to the veiled reference to the Masons, it also represents the original thirteen colonies.

The phrase "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is indeed, a poignant one, especially since the election of America's first black president, Barrack Obama. The phrase means, "From Many, One," and is written on a ribbon held in the mouth of the eagle. The thirteen arrows are in one claw, while an olive branch is in the other, signifying a preference for peace, but a willingness to fight, should the need arise.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Stockton.
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