The Godless Coins: When Money Lost Its "Grace"

What happens when a coin leaves God off entirely? This article explores the fascinating history of so-called “godless coins,” from Canada’s 1911 design scandal to Theodore Roosevelt’s controversial omission of “In God We Trust” on U.S. gold coins. We trace the role of religious inscriptions like Dei Gratia in coinage across the British Empire, Europe, and beyond—revealing how politics, faith, and public sentiment shaped the words engraved in metal.