Despite our march toward electronic money, an important message is still jingling in pockets across America, “E pluribus unum.” The Latin phrase stamped on coins and bills means “Out of many, one.” It was coined in 1776 for the original design of the Great Seal of the United States. The Founding Fathers wanted to underscore the 13 colonies that came together as a single nation. Since then, it has come to include many different people forming one nation.

It is a concept so important that in the Coinage Act of 1873, Congress required “E pluribus unum” be inscribed on every coin, along with “In God We Trust.” We should take these mottos seriously.