Who is on the 20 Dollar Bill Today – And Who Will Be Next?

Have you ever looked at the US 20 dollar bill in your pocket? You might be interested in its origins, the value of an old $20 dollar bill worth investigating or the potential for rare 20 dollar bill finds. 

Today the Coin ID Scanner team is going to tell you everything you need to know about America’s most circulated bill.

Who's on the 20 Dollar Bill USA?

If you have ever wondered, "Who is on the $20 dollar bill?" or "What president is on the 20 dollar bill?", the answer is Andrew Jackson. He was the seventh president of the United States (1829–1837) and has been featured on the front of the 20 dollar note since 1928. Jackson's face replaced that of Grover Cleveland in a move to honor his contributions, despite his controversial policies.

However, changes are on the horizon of who on the 20 dollar bill. The U.S. Treasury has announced plans to feature Harriet Tubman on the real 20 dollar bill in hand by 2030. This historic change will make Tubman the first African American to appear on U.S. paper currency.

What’s on the Reverse Side?

Whos on the 20 dollar bill on the reverse? Not who but what. The back of 20 dollar bill features the White House, a symbol of American government and power. Over the years, minor design updates have been made, but the fundamental imagery remains the same. 

The 20 dollar bill back includes security features, e.g., color-shifting ink, microprinting and watermarks to deter counterfeiting.

The Change of the Portrait

The plan to replace Andrew Jackson’s portrait of what president on 20 dollar bill with Harriet Tubman has been in discussion for years. It was originally announced by the Obama administration in 2016. The redesign should commemorate Tubman’s work as an abolitionist and a leader of the Underground Railroad. However, the timeline for this change has faced multiple delays.

During the Trump administration, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that the redesign would be postponed due to security and anti-counterfeiting measures taking priority. The projected release of the Harriet Tubman $20 note was pushed back to 2028 at the earliest, with new designs not expected to be revealed until 2026.

In early 2021, the Biden administration renewed efforts to accelerate the process. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced that the Treasury Department was “taking steps to resume efforts” to make Tubman a person who is on the 20 dollar bill. However, an internal Treasury Department memo in 2022 reaffirmed that the earliest projected timeline for the release remains 2030.

The change of the $20 dollar bill president portrait would mark a significant moment in U.S. history, as Tubman will be the first African American woman to appear on American paper currency. While Andrew Jackson’s image is set to remain on the back, this redesign will be a broader movement toward inclusion and recognition of diverse figures in American history.

Old 20 Dollar Bill Worth Explored

We have explored who's on the $20 dollar bill. But what about the price? Some older editions can fetch significant amounts in collector markets. The value of a specimen depends on different factors, e.g., rarity, condition and unique misprints. If you suspect you have a valuable specimen, using a $20 dollar bill serial number lookup value tool can help determine its potential worth.

Rare 20 Dollar Bill & $20 Dollar Bill Errors List

Collectors seek rare variations, especially those with printing errors. Some notable errors list entries include misaligned printing, doubled serial numbers and missing security features. 

One of the most sought-after variants is the 20 dollar bill with star, also known as a Star Note, which signifies replacement currency issued by the Federal Reserve.

So, the value of a $20 bill depends on several factors:

1. Face Value – A regular modern one is worth $20.

2. Collector Value – Older or rare ones can be worth more:

• Star Notes (with a star next to the serial number) may have a premium.

• Older Series (e.g., 1928, 1934, 1950, etc.) can be worth $25 to several hundred dollars depending on condition and rarity.

• Misprints or Errors can increase value much.

• Low or Unique Serial Numbers (like 00000001 or repeating patterns) can be valuable to collectors.

Disclaimer: For a specific valuation, checking auction sites or a currency price guide is recommended.

Related article: Roll of Quarters Value.

How to Check the Value?

1. Look at the 20 Dollar Bill Front and Back: Identify the Series and Condition

• Look at the series year (printed on the front near the portrait).

• Check the condition. Specimens in better condition (Crisp Uncirculated) are worth more.

• Look for special features (e.g., star notes, low serial numbers, misprints).

2. Check for Special Serial Numbers

• Star Notes (★ symbol next to the serial number) can be worth more.

• Low Serial Numbers (00000001 – 00000100) are collectible.

• Repeating, Ladder or Radar Numbers (e.g., 12345678, 45555444) may increase value.

3. Look for Printing Errors

• Misaligned print

• Missing or doubled serial numbers

• Ink smears or miscuts

4. Compare with Online Price Guides

Use websites like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), Heritage Auctions or eBay to see recent sales.

5. Get a Professional Appraisal

If you believe your note is rare, consult a numismatic expert or a currency dealer.

By the way, if you have a coin, e.g., a Morgan silver dollar, apps like Coin ID Scanner make it easy to scan and identify it. Simply take a photo of your piece, and the app will provide details on its numismatic description and even value.

Now that you know who is on 20 dollar bill and the historical weight it carries, next time you pull out a twenty, think beyond its spending power, its political significance and the potential of finding a rare specimen. Who knows? That real 20 dollar bill in hand could be worth far more than you think.

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/twenty-dollar_bill

2. https://greenlight.com/who-is-on-the-20-dollar-bill