The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
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George WashingtonPortraits have always been an important element in American currency. In 1929, United States currency was standardized to include portraits on the bills' front sides.

Salmon ChaseLesser-known portraits appeared on notes with denominations greater than $100. Due to declining demand, larger denomination notes were retired in 1969.

 

$500 William McKinley Twenty-fifth President of the United States
$1000 Grover Cleveland Twenty-second and Twenty-fourth President of the United States
$5000 James Madison Fourth President of the United States
$10000 Salmon Chase Secretary of the Treasury under President Lincoln
 

Martha WashingtonAlthough many women have appeared in allegorical scenes, only two historical women appear on American currency, Martha Washington's portrait appears on the 1886 $1 Silver Certificate, and Pocahontas appears in the engraving "Introduction of the Old World to the New World," which is featured on several pieces of American currency.
Chief Running AntelopeSioux Chief Running Antelope is the only Native American whose portrait is featured on American Currency. Portraying the Chief in a Pawnee headdress, rather than his Sioux tribal headdress, created a political scandal. This insensitive portrayal of Chief Running Antelope created additional ill will between the Pawnee and the Sioux tribes.
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