The 2017A $20 Federal Reserve Note: A Modern Classic with a Controversial Legacy

When collectors handle a 2017A $20 bill, they’re not just holding currency—they’re touching a piece of American history. Featuring the stern gaze of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, this note bridges the past and present, combining modern security features with a design rooted in early 20th-century tradition.

But who was Andrew Jackson, and why does his portrait still grace one of the most widely circulated denominations in the U.S.?

Design & Features of the 2017A $20 Note

Issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the 2017A $20 bill includes:

Obverse: A larger-than-life portrait of Andrew Jackson, with a subtle peach background and a color-shifting ink “20” in the lower right corner. The signatures of Treasurer Jovita Carranza and Secretary Steven Mnuchin mark this series.

Reverse: A detailed engraving of the White House, framed by ornate scrollwork and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Security Features: Microprinting, a watermark of Jackson, a neon green security thread that glows under UV light, and color-shifting ink—all designed to deter counterfeiting.

Collectors especially seek out star notes, fancy serial numbers, and error varieties, which can dramatically increase a note’s value. Some examples have sold for $200–$2,000+, depending on rarity and grade.

Andrew Jackson: Hero, Populist, and Controversial Icon

Born in 1767 in the Waxhaws region between North and South Carolina, Jackson rose from humble beginnings to become a military hero, wealthy Tennessee lawyer, and eventually President of the United States (1829–1837).

His legacy is complex:

War Hero: Jackson’s victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 made him a national icon.

Champion of the “Common Man”: He was the first president elected by appealing directly to voters rather than party elites, ushering in the era of Jacksonian Democracy.

Controversial Policies: Jackson opposed the national bank and paper money—ironically, his face now appears on the $20 bill. He also signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830, leading to the Trail of Tears, a forced migration that displaced thousands of Native Americans.

His presence on the $20 bill has sparked debate for decades, with plans to replace him with Harriet Tubman still under discussion.

Why Collect the 2017A $20 Note?

This note offers collectors:

A modern design with robust security features

Historical depth tied to one of America’s most polarizing presidents

Opportunities to find star notes, fancy serials, and errors

A tangible link to the evolving narrative of U.S. currency and identity

Whether you’re drawn to its aesthetic, intrigued by its symbolism, or hunting for rare varieties, the 2017A $20 bill is more than just money—it’s a conversation piece.

Explore our curated listings at Notescounter to discover hand-selected 2017A $20 notes, including uncirculated examples, star notes, and collector-grade rarities. Inventory updates daily—don’t miss your chance to own a note that blends modern craftsmanship with historical weight.