A recent letter to the editor argues that U.S. currency should remain free of any monarch’s image, contrasting the practice in Commonwealth nations that feature King Charles on their coins. The writer contends that an image of the reigning English ruler on money is a persistent reminder of who holds power—something they believe should have no place on American currency.
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Analysis and Opinions
International Politics
Letter: American money should have no king
Photo by Concord Monitor
Key Takeaways:
- The letter maintains that American money should not depict a king.
- Across Commonwealth countries, King Charles’s profile appears on many coins.
- This longstanding tradition features the current ruler on coinage.
- The letter stresses a clear contrast between Commonwealth and U.S. values.
- It invites readers to consider how national principles should shape currency design.
Commonwealth Coins and the King
In many countries within the English Commonwealth—such as England, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia—coins feature the image of King Charles. This tradition has long served as a reminder of the reigning monarch’s authority and status. As soon as one ruler ascends the throne, new coin designs emerge to keep up with the times.
A Principle for American Currency
By pointing to the prominence of the king’s likeness on Commonwealth coinage, the writer of the letter underscores the difference in approach for American money. The letter expresses a conviction that the United States should not follow the same path. In its concise argument, the letter claims that putting a king on U.S. currency would run counter to American democratic ideals.
Contrasting Values
Through this reference to Commonwealth practice, the letter draws attention to the symbolic nature of money. For those countries loyal to the British throne, placing King Charles on their coins is a sign of shared heritage. In stark contrast, the letter suggests that America’s founding principles call for currency that reflects a different set of values—free from monarchical ties.
Looking Ahead
Ultimately, the letter to the editor invites further reflection on what currency says about a nation’s identity. In making a case for the distinctiveness of U.S. money, it aims to spark dialogue among citizens and policymakers about how best to uphold the values America holds dear. The debate remains open, with the letter offering a clear stand: American money, it insists, should have no king.
