Who is the black man on the back of the $2 bill?

Many people think there's a black man named John Hanson on the back of the 2 dollar bill, but... (spoiler alert), there's not. Learn who the man really is and how his face ended up resembling a black man in this informational video from the director of The Two Dollar Bill Documentary. You'll also learn about intaglio printing and a bit about $2 bills are made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Fort Worth, TX.

Doubt these facts? Here's some reading you can do...

George Washington photo credit: Getty Images/SuperStock RM

[theenlightenedelite]

You just don't want to give credit where credit is due

[FREDSHOGUN]

All of you are wrong he’s not black OR white. He’s clearly green

[yahaqovinv]

I have a question you said that there's discrepancy in the printing concerning this one individual you said that he is white however why is everybody else in the picture clearly White please answer this for me

[zpy-nqwv]

I'VE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE THIS FOR YEARS ... THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO SIR .

[Happyland]

The amount of people arguing with this guy in the comments section is crazy. Most of the facts presented in this video are backed by primary sources and are very true. I'm not trying to disprove people who say that he is a black man, but there is no solid proof stating that the man is black, and in a historical context it doesn't make much sense.

[cloutlordree]

I dunno america did erase alot of blackness from America's history

[guiceman]

He wasn't a slave he was the president of the us before the named it the us

[gordonadams]

This still leaves the question of whether a black man ever lead the nation under the Articles of Confederation.

[beulahhardeman]

I would like for you to give more information on John Hanson, please? I remember reading in my studies how well he was considered as a politician in the organization or organizing of the founding activities. In history, Mr Hanson was in the midst of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, even before the composition al statement or better, the drafting. As I read of him he was not in the midst as a slave but one considered to be brilliant and wise in the thoughts and offers given to those who would become founders. He was asked to be the first leader, as I read and believe lead the gatering and more than help pull together a country that was in a dismantled state to brought focus and right direction to a country that was having to bring disruption and chaos to order. Because of Mr Hanson's obvious ability, he was asked to lead the country back to order. He refused because he WAS a black man, mot a slave and thought that it would further bring division; thus, he declined and worked behind the scenes. Politically with his political skills, moved within helping to pull order and focus together. Obviously, a great man. Someone earnestly wanted to know if it were he. It would not follow through with wisdom that he showed; he would not have agreed to be photographed to further cause division. Would it have been possible for such a man to be in the midst? Yes, it was and he was. I still feel the sting of your somewhat distane for the question of the presence of a black man. Excuse me. Now I think that I shall make Mr Hanson my next project. Too many of our great men and women in this country have been minimized, hidden in the importance and greatness of the contributions to this country. Great Inventors, archetects, builders and planners, wholesome business minded with farsightedness from God given abilities who were great in the developing of this country!!! Does history readily tell you? Did it? You know the answer. Books and classrooms were void of the g

[MsWatchLADY]

I like your Videos. But I am going to question your research because if there was an ink blot why isn’t several of the men printed darker. I tell you guys just can’t help yourself. It’s okay to tell the True BlackStories.

[cookiesncream]

Hello John! It's always a pleasure watching your videos, thanks for bringing joy to the world 🌎

[cdenard]

John Hanson (1st black president) a Liberian senator during the mid-19th century who has been erroneously claimed as the first Black president of the United States. Not much is known about Hanson’s early life. He was born into slavery in Baltimore, Maryland, around 1791. According to some historians, Hanson purchased his freedom but the method and year are unknown.Hanson was often confused with a white politician of the same name, who was falsely claimed to be the first president of the United States. in 1781, this other man was named president of Congress under the Articles of Confederation before the U.S. Constitution officially established the office of president of the United States. Because of his position as president of the Congress, some have erroneously argued that he, not George Washington, was the actual first president. Adding to the confusion was the fact that Hanson has been thought to be the dark-skinned man on the back of the $2 bill. The image on the $2 bill shows the drafting of The Declaration of Independence by painter John Turnbull. The image some claimed as Hanson is actually Robert Morris, one of the original signers of the Declaration. Morris’s image appears dark on the bill due to the type of printing used then.

[tonyharris]

Don't forget Abe Lincoln had a black father

[kalanwashington]

John Hanson was black. Black father and Indian mother of our family decent.

[FlemgarMedia]

A Very Well Presented Clarification. Thank You! 👏

[robertdeffenbaugh]

The blackJohn Hanson was a Senator not a President in 1856 so of course he won’t be in it.

And the White John Hanson wasn’t the first President of Congress he was the 7th.

Peyton Randolph, Henry Middleton, Henry Laurens, John Jay, Samuel Huntington, Thomas McKean, John Hanson, Elias Boudinot, Thomas Mifflin, Richard Henry Lee, John Hancock, Nathaniel Gorham, Arthur St. Clair, and Cyrus Griffin.

[sharonhensley]

WHO WAS #12?
The Man to the left of 13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

[JD-hrwk]

So why the government paid 2000$ for 2 Dollar bill for every citizen?

[collectingonthecheap]

I have often thought he was a person of color on occasional glances, but even after looking at his hands, I knew it was not accurate. I have looked him up before, but can never remember who he is. Thankfully, this video now exists.

[Strong]

Huh. I just figured he had a shadow cast from there standing in the portrait. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Cool to know tho