22 April - In God We Trust Day

 

On April 22, 1864, during the American Civil War, the United States Congress passed an act that allowed for the inclusion of the motto "In God We Trust" on U.S. coins. This decision was motivated in part by the religious sentiment prevalent during the Civil War era and was seen as a way to express faith and unity during a tumultuous time in American history. "In God We Trust" has since become a well-known and often-debated motto associated with the United States.

It appeared on several U.S. coins from 1864 to 1938, however its duration varied. Since 1909, it has been on the penny, since 1916 on the dime, and since 1908 on all gold coins, silver dollars, half dollars, and quarter dollars. The majority of government facilities bear the official motto of the United States, "In God We Trust."