It was on money beforehand due to pressure from Christian groups during the civil war, but it wasn't made a national motto until the 50's. I don't think anyone has claimed it first appeared on money in the 50's. Indeed, the idea for the motto came from the existence of it on the coins.
Point is, it wasn't on coins before 1865, because the constitution forbids it. I suspect that during that period of civil unrest, however, anything would have been done to please the people, without regard to the constitution (and especially as at the time the country was largely Christian).
It doesn't belong on the money currently though, which should be the subject up for discussion. Nor does it belong as a national motto of a country where the Establishment clause of the First Amendment strictly prohibits it!
Point is, it wasn't on coins before 1865, because the constitution forbids it. I suspect that during that period of civil unrest, however, anything would have been done to please the people, without regard to the constitution (and especially as at the time the country was largely Christian).
It doesn't belong on the money currently though, which should be the subject up for discussion. Nor does it belong as a national motto of a country where the Establishment clause of the First Amendment strictly prohibits it!
