The United States dollar is the most widely recognized and used currency in the world, carrying a unique blend of symbols, imagery, and text that has piqued the curiosity of scholars, conspiracy theorists, and laypeople alike. One such enigmatic symbol is the eye within a triangle, often associated with Freemasonry, which appears above an unfinished pyramid on the reverse of the one-dollar bill. This article dives deep into the history and significance of this symbol, exploring why it found its way onto the US dollar and what it represents. We’ll investigate the connections between Freemasonry, the Founding Fathers, and the design of the Great Seal of the United States. To understand the intriguing story behind the Freemason symbol on the US dollar, let’s first unravel the origins and meaning of the symbol itself.
- The Eye of Providence and Freemasonry
The eye within a triangle is commonly known as the Eye of Providence or the All-Seeing Eye, a symbol of divine omniscience and guidance [1]. Although it is often attributed to the Freemasons, a secretive and influential fraternal organization, the symbol’s origins predate the establishment of Freemasonry in the early 18th century. The Eye of Providence can be traced back to Christian iconography, where it was used to represent the Holy Trinity and the omnipresent gaze of God [2].
The symbol gained association with Freemasonry in the late 18th century when it was adopted by the organization as an emblem of the Great Architect of the Universe, an all-knowing and all-powerful deity that watches over humanity [3]. While the Eye of Providence is not exclusive to Freemasonry, its use by the organization and the influence of Freemasons in early American history have led to the widespread belief that the symbol on the US dollar has Masonic origins.
- The Founding Fathers and Freemasonry
Freemasonry has been a part of American history since the country’s inception. Some of the Founding Fathers were known to be Freemasons, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Hancock [4]. The organization’s influence on the development of the United States is undeniable, but to what extent did Freemasonry impact the design of the Great Seal and the US dollar?
- The Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States, which features the Eye of Providence, was created in 1782 by a committee consisting of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, among others [5]. While Franklin was a known Freemason, there is no definitive evidence that the other members of the committee were affiliated with the organization.
The design of the Great Seal was intended to symbolize the new nation’s values and aspirations. The unfinished pyramid, with its 13 steps representing the original 13 states, signifies the strength and duration of the United States. The eye within the triangle, as an emblem of divine providence, was meant to convey the idea that the country’s success was guided by a higher power [6].
- The Eye of Providence on the US Dollar
The Eye of Providence made its first appearance on the US dollar in 1935 when it was added to the design of the one-dollar bill [7]. This decision was made by then-Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr., who wanted to incorporate the Great Seal into the currency as a symbol of national identity. Morgenthau was not a Freemason, and there is no evidence to suggest that his decision to include the Eye of Providence was influenced by Freemasonry [8].
- The Connection Between the Freemason Symbol and the US Dollar
While the Eye of Providence has been associated with Freemasonry, its inclusion on the US dollar is not a direct result of Masonic influence. The symbol was chosen for its representation of divine guidance and its relevance to the ideals of the newly formed United States. However, the involvement of Freemasons like Benjamin Franklin in the creation of the Great Seal and the influence of the organization on the country’s development cannot be denied [9].
Although the connection between the Freemason symbol and the US dollar is not as straightforward as many believe, the historical context and significance of the Eye of Providence make it an intriguing and compelling element of American currency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presence of the Eye of Providence on the US dollar bill is not a direct consequence of Freemasonry but rather a symbol of divine guidance and the values of the United States. However, the influence of Freemasonry on the Founding Fathers and the country’s development cannot be ignored. The Freemason symbol on the US dollar serves as a reminder of the complex and fascinating history of the United States and its currency, inviting us to explore the intricate web of connections between the early American republic, secret societies, and the values they upheld.
Source List
[1] “The Eye of Providence.” Masonic Dictionary, 2021, http://www.masonicdictionary.com/eye.html.
[2] Armitage, Alyssa. “Eye of Providence: The Origins of the All-Seeing Eye.” Ancient Origins, 19 Aug. 2019, https://www.ancient-origins.net/history/eye-providence-0012196.
[3] “Freemasonry and the Eye of Providence.” Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, 2018, http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/symbolism/eye_of_providence.html.
[4] Morris, S. Brent. “The Founding Fathers, Freemasonry, and the Great Seal.” The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 2009, http://gwmemorial.org/educational-resources/founding-fathers/.
[5] “The Great Seal of the United States.” U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, 2017, https://www.state.gov/the-great-seal-of-the-united-states/.
[6] Patterson, Richard Sharpe. “The Eye in the Pyramid.” Prologue Magazine, vol. 4, no. 4, 1972, https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1972/fall/great-seal-1.html.
[7] “History of the One-Dollar Bill.” Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, https://www.philadelphiafed.org/-/media/education/resources/publications/money-in-motion/history-of-the-one-dollar-bill.pdf?la=en.
[8] Manly, Roger K. “The All-Seeing Eye on the Dollar Bill: A History.” American Numismatic Association, 2015, https://www.money.org/uploads/pdfs/Dollar_Eye_Article.pdf.
[9] Zak, Paul J. “Secret Societies and the Founding of a Nation.” Claremont McKenna College, 2006, https://www.cmc.edu/sites
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