The U.S. Treasury announced last year that it was planning a redesign for the $10 bill that would have Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Treasury secretary, replaced with a historical American female. That announcement came with both supporters and detractors, but what Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew couldn’t have anticipated is how the popularity of one Broadway show would make his fellow Americans fall in love with Hamilton again.
“Hamilton,” the Broadway show that follows the life of the famous forefather, has become a smash hit, selling out months in advance and creating lines so long for last minute tickets that it had to go digital. The creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also plays the lead role, has brought back attention to Hamilton and his foundational role in establishing the U.S.’ financial system. He’s also taken a personal interest in U.S. currency.
Miranda met with Lew Monday before he visited the White House to discuss the future of Hamilton’s likeness on the $10 bill. He was told that Hamilton admirers would not be disappointed by the upcoming redesign, as Manuel confirmed on his Twitter to interested followers.
The Treasury Department confirmed to the New York Times that Secretary Lew “reiterated his commitment to continue to honor Alexander Hamilton on the 10 dollar bill.” And also thanked Miranda “for the ingenious way in which he has been able to tell Hamilton’s story and ignite a renewed interest” in him.
