classical symbolism

Roman Numerals and Classical Lettering on US Currency: How the BEP Borrowed from Antiquity to Signal Financial Authority

June 20, 2026June 15, 2026 by

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing deliberately wove Roman numerals, Latin phrases, and neoclassical typography into American banknotes to project permanence, authority, and civilizational legitimacy. Understanding these design choices deepens your appreciation of every note in your collection and reveals a fascinating story about how a young republic built credibility through the visual language of ancient Rome.

The Fasces Symbol on US Currency: Roman Authority, Bundled Strength, and Its Appearances from Fractional Currency to Modern FRNs

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

Few symbols carry as much historical weight as the fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an axe that signified Roman magisterial power for centuries before appearing on American coins and paper money. This deep dive traces every significant fasces appearance on US currency, from Civil War-era fractional notes to the Lincoln Memorial reverse, with specific catalog numbers and collector values to guide your hunt.