# Strange stuff on a dollar bill... **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 10, 2000, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288 "2000-01-10T19:12:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![knappy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b3f665/32.png) [@knappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/knappy)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2000, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/21 "2000-01-10T23:26:00Z")
I think Cecil had a column one time about the word ‘Sex’ appearing in Licoln’s beard on the $5. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [January 10, 2000, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/22 "2000-01-10T23:41:00Z")
I know that in _More of the Straight Dope,_ Cecil mentioned an engraver with the U. S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, who etched a tiny Star of David into the beard of Hebrew educator Bernard Revel (if that’s the right name) on a $1.00 postage stamp. I have one of these stamps, but no microscope, so I can’t check this out just yet. ---
**Author:** ![MrKnowItAll](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrknowitall/32/87_2.png) [@MrKnowItAll](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrKnowItAll)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/23 "2000-01-11T01:11:00Z")
I’d always heard the “owl” referred to as a spider. Actually, there really is one Freemason symbol, and several possible Freemason symbols, on the back of the one: 1. The topless pyramid as the unfinished Temple of Solomon. 2. The eye above the pyramid = the Grand Architect of the Universe. 3. Supposedly, one eagle’s wing has 32 feathers and the other 33. There are 32 Scottish Rite degrees + a 33rd honorary degree. 4. The nine tail feathers represent the 9 degrees of the York Rite. 5. “E Pluribus Unun” is a Masonic motto. 6. The Star of David arrangement of stars over the eagle’s head is a reminder of King David, who figures into Masonic legend. 7. There are rays emanating from the stars that alternate between long and short, which is reminiscent of the Masonic guage markings. **DISCLAIMER:** maybe. ---
**Author:** ![pqlier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@pqlier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pqlier)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/24 "2000-01-11T02:09:00Z")
The owls are not what they seem… When the current series of plastic Australian banknotes was new, a flurry of impromptu origami did the rounds (in the pubs I frequented, anyway): there’s a way of folding the $5 to make part of Queen Elizabeth II’s neck look so much like a XXX penetration closeup it’s scary. ---
**Author:** ![Studi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Studi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Studi)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/25 "2000-01-11T03:40:00Z")
Geeze, does that owl appear on any Canadian bills instead? Wait, we already have stupid birds on our money. * * * “I may not be smart, but I can tell chicken shit from chicken salad.” - Lyndon Johnson ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/26 "2000-01-11T15:39:00Z")
_eyeing a $10 borrowed from a co-worker_ Man, that’s an even bigger stretch than the owl on the $1. Tho’ I’d love to see that Aussie bill! * * * Cave Diem! Carpe Canem! ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/27 "2000-01-11T15:52:00Z")
Whether you see an owl or a spider, one thing is certain: you sure are suggestible. I see a butterfly… no, no, ahh, yes, I see it – it’s my dad inserting his forearm into a turkey my mom’s holding. I’m sure it doesn’t mean anything. Peace. ---
**Author:** ![moriah](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b2d939/32.png) [@moriah](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/moriah)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/28 "2000-01-11T15:53:00Z")
Oh, BTW, anyone got a microscope to check out this blob? And speaking of strange stuff on a dollar bill, what’s this yellow stain… Peace. ---
**Author:** ![AzRaek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/azraek/32/16739_2.png) [@AzRaek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AzRaek)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/29 "2000-01-11T17:02:00Z")
On the back of a $10 bill- that’s not a Model T, it’s a Hupmobile. * * * “That was a hell of a thing.” ---
**Author:** ![torq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dfb087/32.png) [@torq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torq)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2000, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/30 "2000-01-11T19:06:00Z")
Look at the bottom border of a dollar bill, right side, about midway between the “one dollar” and the “1”, directly underneath the period in the phrase “Secretary of the Treasury.” The lace pattern there is remarkably similar to that making up the owl/spider/guy with his hand inside a turkey. ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2000, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/31 "2000-01-12T20:08:00Z")
Well, what’s the point of the “owl” or “spider” or whatever, anyway? Is it some kind of high-tech camera watching us? If it is–goodness knows I’m really reaching here–then what it’s most likely to see is the inside of a wallet or a cash register, most of the time; and for the rest of the time, what would it be looking at anyway? And why? This reminds me of Cecil’s discussion of the Roswell incident. ---
**Author:** ![DAVEW0071](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e19b73/32.png) [@DAVEW0071](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DAVEW0071)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2000, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/32 "2000-01-13T03:12:00Z")
Oh, Dougie, man, are you duped! That’s exactly what they want you to think! You’re falling right into their hands! * * * The Dave-Guy “since my daughter’s only half-Jewish, can she go in up to her knees?” J.H. Marx ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2000, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/33 "2000-01-14T23:24:00Z")
Better watch out, Dave. The paranoids are after you. 😃😉 ---
**Author:** ![aseymayo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e57/32.png) [@aseymayo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aseymayo)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2000, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/34 "2000-01-14T23:42:00Z")
pqlier - elyts ni kcab emoc ot gniog si ekil uoy mug taht. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2000, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/35 "2000-01-14T23:46:00Z")
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned this. On the back of the $5 bill, the names of several states are printed on the top of the Lincoln Memorial. Look veeeeery closely at the top two levels of the building. You will see “Washington, California, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Virginia”…etc. I noticed this about 7 years ago waiting in line at Burger King. BTW, if you have even slightly poor vision, do not even attempt to find the names of the states. A magnifying glass is almost essential too, even though I can make out every word with my naked eye. 😛 Adam * * * “Life is hard…but God is good” ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [January 14, 2000, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/36 "2000-01-14T23:52:00Z")
To Arg220: I think the state names are actually engraved on the Lincoln Memorial itself, but I’ve never been to Washington to see. The names are also supposed to appear in the same place on the image of the Lincoln Memorial on the _penny,_ but you’d probably need an _electron_ microscope to see them there. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/original/2X/e/e489c3b7d8fce19c4b355dd4fc3f88cc39c34b87.png) [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2000, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/37 "2000-01-15T00:53:00Z")
I’ve never been to Washington, but it’d be cool if the same names appear on the $5, and the actual building in D.C. I grabbed a '99 penny, and a magnifying glass, and looked very closely at the Memorial. I found 12 very small shapes that resemble the symbol for “infinity.” I’ll be a monkey’s uncle if those are actual words though. Plus, I imagine the cost of a machine that could stamp out print that small, would be silly to waste on making pennies. * * * “Life is hard…but God is good” ---
**Author:** ![Olentzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/90ced4/32.png) [@Olentzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olentzero)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2000, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/38 "2000-01-15T02:28:00Z")
DC denizen reporting in. Yes, the states’ names _are_ engraved on the Lincoln Memorial - or the 36 states that were in existence at the time. There’s also a typo! A number of excerpts of Lincoln’s speeches are engraved around the inner walls; one speech has the word “FUTURE” in it. The sculptor apparently wasn’t paying attention and carved “EUTURE” instead. You can see where they tried to cover it over but it didn’t work. * * * Cave Diem! Carpe Canem! ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/39 "2000-01-17T20:08:00Z")
“Seize the dog” _(carpe canem)?_ At your own risk, Olentzero. 😃 * * * “If you drive an automobile, please drive carefully–because I walk in my sleep.”–Victor Borge ---
**Author:** ![dougie\_monty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@dougie\_monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dougie_monty)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2001, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288/40 "2001-05-07T23:00:02Z")
> [@](#): > > I was always told that the shape was a spider that wove the intricate web along the border of the bill, not an owl–not that it really matters. Anyway, what about the digits 3172 on the bushes to the left of the Lincoln Memorial on the back of the $5? (The 3 requires a little imagination). As most people, the Teeming Millions included, know by now, the “3172” in the bushes on the back of the old fiver don’t appear there on the new bill. A correspondent wrote to Cecil in _More of the Straight Dope_ about this, saying it was the Illminati’s secret sign–“an anagram of the 17/23 correlation,” they put it. Cecil was stumped by this and so am I. FWIW, the reverse of the old $5 bill was apparently engraved around 1920; heck, a lot can happen in 80 years. If the Illuminati have a sign on the new-design currency, it’s probably those punk watermarks in the bills–they sure are poor likenesses, from Ben to Abe! 😃 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strange-stuff-on-a-dollar-bill/6288.md?page=3)