Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the U.S. $20 bill as part of a long‑delayed redesign by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Federal Reserve. Announced in 2016, the new note was originally expected to enter circulation in the early 2020s, but production has been postponed. As of 2025, the $20 bill proceeds with the current Series 2017A design featuring Andrew Jackson; no Tubman notes have been issued for public use. This verified explainer outlines the planned changes, the current status, and what this means for everyday circulation and collectors.
Background and Context
In April 2016, the U.S. Treasury announced a multiyear plan to redesign U.S. currency, highlighting historic contributions and enhanced security. The $20 bill was selected to feature Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and Civil War leader, while Andrew Jackson would move to the back. The stated goals were to incorporate modern anti-counterfeiting features and to honor a figure of national significance. The redesign process involves the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the U.S. Mint, and the Federal Reserve, with each series undergoing testing, production, and distribution.
Official Plans and Timeline
Planned milestones for the Tubman $20 bill reflect extensive coordination among Treasury, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the Federal Reserve. The following table summarizes key reported dates and their current status based on official announcements and subsequent updates.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Original announcement | April 2016 | U.S. Treasury |
| Initial expected entry into circulation | 2020 (later delayed) | Treasury timeline |
| Subsequent target updates | 2025, then 2026, then 2030 | GAO and Treasury reports |
| Series designation as of 2025 | Series 2017A (current) | BEP and Federal Reserve |
| Current status | Redesign in progress; no issuance date set | Official statements |
Why Delays Occur
Currency redesign involves iterative security testing, production trials, and coordination with financial institutions. Security features must function reliably in varied printing and handling conditions. Additional delays have been attributed to shifting national priorities, resource constraints at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and broader supply-chain considerations within the Federal Reserve System. These factors collectively influence the timeline for introducing new notes into circulation.
Design and Security Features
Although no Tubman $20 bill has been released, the 2016 plan outlined several anticipated design elements and upgraded security measures. New notes typically include enhanced color-shifting ink, improved watermarks, and more detailed microprinting. The goal is to make counterfeiting significantly harder while maintaining durability for everyday use. Tubman’s portrait and imagery related to her legacy were expected to be central motifs, replacing Andrew Jackson on the front and altering historical references on the back.
What This Means for Collectors
- Series 2017A notes remain the standard $20 bill in circulation; they are legal tender and widely accepted.
- Collector interest may grow if and when a Tubman-design note enters production, particularly for first-release serial ranges or specific series identifiers.
- Notes with low serial numbers, star notes, or misprints can carry premiums independent of the portrait subject.
- Authentication and grading services remain essential for evaluating condition and rarity.
Current Status and Public Circulation
As of 2025, the $20 bill in circulation continues to use the Series 2017A design featuring Andrew Jackson. No Tubman $20 notes have been reported in active public circulation. The Federal Reserve distributes new notes to institutions as they are produced, and institutions prioritize the newest series when available. Until an official release date is set and communicated, the timeline remains subject to change based on production and policy decisions.
What to Watch Moving Forward
Key indicators for future progress include official announcements from the U.S. Treasury, production updates from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and distribution notices from the Federal Reserve. Legislative or budgetary developments can also affect scheduling. For now, the redesigned $20 bill remains in planning and development, with the earliest credible reports suggesting possible introduction in the late 2020s or beyond. When released, the Tubman $20 bill will represent one of the most significant changes to U.S. paper currency in decades.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Aspect | Current $20 Bill | Future Tubman $20 Bill (Planned) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary portrait | Andrew Jackson (front) | Harriet Tubman (front, planned) |
| Series | 2017A (current) | TBD at release |
| Security features | Existing advanced features | Enhanced anti-counterfeiting (planned) |
| Legal tender status | Yes | Will be legal tender |
| Official issuance date | In circulation | No date set |
Final Note
Harriet Tubman’s planned appearance on the $20 bill reflects a long‑term effort to modernize U.S. currency and recognize pivotal history. While design objectives and security enhancements are well documented, production and distribution remain subject to ongoing planning and execution. Until an official release, the current $20 bill remains in use, and any collectible premium depends on series specifics rather than the portrait change alone.