For the first time in U.S. history, two women's signatures have been printed on U.S. currency. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and U.S. Treasurer Lynn Malerba had their Jane Hancocks etched into the history books.
"Two women on the currency for the first time is truly momentous," Malerba told the Associated Press.
Malerba is also the first Native American person to serve in the role of U.S. Treasurer, and Yellen is the first woman to head up the Treasury department after being appointed by President Joe Biden last year. Previously, she was the chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and the head of the White House Council of Economic Advisors
"Today is not about me or a new signature on our currency," Yellen said at a ceremony for the unveiling of the new bills. "It's about our collective work to create a stronger and more inclusive economy."
The signatures will appear on the $1 and $5 bills and begin circulating in 2023.
The addition of Malerba's and Yellen's signatures are part of a larger movement to boost female representation on money. Only two women, First Lady Martha Washington and Pochahontas, have been featured on paper money before. Abolitionist Harriet Tubman is set to be honored on the $20 bill in 2030, according to the Grio.
Meanwhile, several women, including Susan B. Anthony and Maya Angelou, have been featured on coins.
