Thruppence: Which woman should grace the $10 bill?

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew says a newly redesigned $10 bill will feature a “woman who has contributed to and represents the values of American democracy” starting in 2020, marking the centennial of women gaining the right to vote. We asked Breakingviews columnists to name their favorite candidates, living or deceased (the latter Lew’s preference), to share space on the $10 bill with founding father Alexander Hamilton, and explain why.

Victoria Woodhull

She embodies all the aspects of America to be worthy of appearing on its money. Politics: She was the first female candidate for president, in 1872, long before women even had the right to vote, and later became the first woman to address a congressional committee. Government: Woodhull fought in the 19th century to get Uncle Sam out of decisions of marriage and bearing children, in a movement then known as free love. Capitalism: With her sister, she was the first woman to run a Wall Street brokerage, and, oh by the way, made a fortune. Entrepreneurship: Woodhull was one of the first female newspaper owners, and even went to jail for her bold publishing decisions. She deserves another first: woman on U.S. paper currency in a century. -Jeff Goldfarb

Rachel Carson

She was the ecologist and scientific writer whose work exposed the consequences of irresponsible industrialism. Her book “Silent Spring,” on the poisonous effect of pesticides, is credited with igniting the modern environmental movement. Carson’s citizen science was done in the public interest and will remain useful until the end of time – literally. No better likeness to render in green. -Kate Duguid

Amelia Earhart

The pioneering aviator who disappeared on an attempted around-the-world flight in 1937 was a model of American risk-taking entrepreneurialism. After breaking several air-speed and distance records, she parlayed her growing celebrity into a successful writing and lecturing career supporting progressive women’s causes. In a letter left before the start of her fateful journey, to be opened in the event of her death, she wrote: “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge for others.” -Kevin Allison

Beyoncé

The singer symbolizes a host of good things – she’s a survivor, independent woman, champion of single ladies. But she’s also rather symbolic of the American stand-on-your-own-two-feet/small-state ethos. That house she lives in and the car she’s driving: she bought them herself. -George Hay

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