MLK on US Bonds and Notes

Here in the US, it is Martin Luther King Day, celebrating the achievements of the civil rights activist who changed US history.

Unfortunately, we do not see many images of him on official US securities or cash.

Right now, MLK only appears on $100 United States Savings Bonds, Series I. Up until 2012, you could buy these bonds at any financial institution. But, for the past 10 years you can only get paper bonds if you buy them via a tax refund through the IRS. These bonds were designed in the mid-1980s and are printed completely in offset.

Back in 2016, the US Treasury planned to put MLK on the back of the $5 Federal Reserve Note. He would be shown giving his “I Have a Dream” speech. I was involved in this project that was approved by Secretary Jack Lew. Lincoln would still be on the face, but MLK and Marian Anderson would appear on the reverse. This was to be a major change in US banknote design. But, these plans ended with the change in administration. Hopefully, they will be revisited in the future.