The person featured on the United States $10 bill is Alexander Hamilton. He was the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and a key figure in establishing the nation's financial system
. The portrait of Hamilton on the bill is based on an 1805 painting by John Trumbull, which is part of the portrait collection at New York City Hall
. Notably, Hamilton is one of only two non-presidents currently depicted on U.S. currency, the other being Benjamin Franklin on the $100 bill
. Hamilton's portrait on the $10 bill faces to the left, making it unique among denominations in circulation, as most portraits face to the right
. The reverse side of the bill features the U.S. Treasury Building
. There have been discussions about redesigning the $10 bill to replace Hamilton with a woman, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, but as of now, Hamilton remains on the bill
. In summary:
- Portrait on $10 bill: Alexander Hamilton
- Role: First U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
- Portrait source: 1805 John Trumbull painting
- Unique features: Only $10 bill portrait facing left; one of two non-presidents on U.S. currency
- Reverse side: U.S. Treasury Building
This makes Hamilton the prominent figure on the $10 bill, symbolizing the foundation of American finance and governance