What year was 'In God we trust' added to US currency?

Answer 1

In 1957 the $1 bill became the first piece of currency to bear the words: "IN GOD WE TRUST".

MoreThe motto was first used in 1864 during the Civil War, on the 2¢ piece. It was gradually added to other coin over the next 75 years. The last coin to have the motto added was the 5¢ piece ("nickel") in 1938.

The motto didn't appear on any paper currency until 1957, as noted above. In 1955 Congress passed a law requiring it to be added to all denominations. The law was partly in response to widespread anti-communist sentiment during the Cold War, and was intended to differentiate the US from so-called "godless communists". Adoption on bills was much faster; by the mid-1960s it was on all denominations.

Unfortunately the motto is a source of contention for people at the far ends of the political spectrum, with some groups wanting it removed and others wanting it to be much more prominent. However it's a non-issue for most other citizens.