The 19th Amendment Centennial

The 19th amendment, allowing women the right to vote, was passed in 1920. The Harriett Tubman U.S. $20 note, intended for production in 2020, partly in honor of the 19th amendment centennial, was delayed by the Trump administration in June, 2019, with the stated reason being the unavailability of new security features. The 19th amendment also played a role in the marketing of the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) dollar in 1979. Recently scanned by John Graffeo at the National Archives in Denver, Newman Portal includes a package of SBA dollar marketing information aimed at bankers and retailers. Benefits of the coin were said to be easier counting, reduced errors in counting, faster retail transactions, and “enhanced practicality of the $2 note.” The Treasury further offered retailers promotional ideas for the new coin, such as offering items at special prices “if purchased with at least one Anthony dollar.” Biographical material related to Anthony, included in the marketing material, notes her advocacy of the 19th amendment. The failure of the SBA coin is well-known, and the Tubman $20 remains in the planning stages. Here’s hoping Treasury can do more in 2020 to recognize the contribution and legacy of all Americans.Link to Susan B. Anthony marketing packet on Newman Portal: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/545556