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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Andrew Buncombe

Harriet Tubman 'to replace' President Andrew Jackson on US $20 bill

The black civil rights icon Harriet Tubman is reportedly set to replace President Andrew Jackson on the US $20 bill.

Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Wednesday will announce a decision to keep Alexander Hamilton on the front of the $10 bill, sources told Politico.

Yet he will also announce that it plans to replace former President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill with Ms Tubman, the sources said. There will also be changes to the $5 bill to depict civil rights era leaders.

Harriet Tubman in a photograph dating from 1860-75. Her image proved the most popular in a public vote (AP)

Mr Lew's decision comes after he announced last summer that he was considering replacing Hamilton on the $10 bill with a woman. 

The announcement drew swift rebukes from fans of Hamilton, who helped create the Treasury Department and the modern American financial system. Critics immediately suggested Hamilton take Jackson off the $20 bill given the former president's role in moving native Americans off their land. 

Jackson may remain on the $20 bill in some capacity.

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