I found an excerpt that explains why he was put on the bill:
"Benjamin Franklin was one of the multifaceted international celebrities of the Unites States of America. He has contributed immensely for the state as a civic activist, political theorist, diplomat and statesman. In addition, he is considered as one of the Founding Fathers of USA. He was also responsible for forming the first lending library for the public in America. In addition, he also started the first fire department in the Pennsylvania state. During the American Revolution, as a diplomat, he made independence possible by securing the French Alliance. He was a ‘practical inventor’ as his inventions solved the daily comfort issues. Some of the most famous inventions include Armonica, Franklin stove, Lightning Rod, Bifocals, Map of Gulf Stream, Daylight Savings Time and Odometer. While he was serving as Postmaster General, he invented odometer to analyze the most efficient routes for delivering the mail. His contribution was significant to develop the postal system at that time in various colonies. Even today, the concept of odometer is used in various devices to measure distance and speed. Another significant contribution was the discovery of electricity. When many people believed that electricity was caused by friction, Franklin performed experiments and explained electrification by the theory of opposite charges (positive and negative). He also proved that lightning was an electrical phenomenon due to electricity generated in the clouds. The famous kite flying experiment conducted in 1752 is a famous American legend of today. The invention of the lightning rod prevented a lot of destruction caused to the constructions because of fires due to lightning in 1700s." http://funadvice.com/r/14o30n92fh8
Essentially, he was one of the most important and influential founding fathers and played a key role in the French Revolution, the formation of the American government, etc. Although I would like to point out that he was NOT a president, though many people believe he was.
A STORY BY VEE27. Once upon a time,there lived a man(handsome to add) with a very unsual height,he worked very hard and was President to the Americans.In order not to forget him,the people of America made his face printed on their "dollars currency" to remember him for his hard work and contribution to the country and his looks to add. THE END!
I don't believe there's any specific story, but I know that the National Treasurer chooses any portrait to go on a new form of currency, and that it has to be someone that has died. Benjamin Franklin was just important to our country's beginnings.
One of the founding fathers, not a president. Interesting why he's the only one who has not been a president.
That's not true, Sacajawea is on US currency (or does coinage not count?).
I like your story, but Ben Franklin wasn't a president :O
