Never before had the image of a living person, much less a woman, been placed on a unit of currency. But there seemed no better way for the country to pay tribute to Her incomparable beauty. Indeed, the public had demanded that She be recognized in this way. She was worshiped. She was adored. She was loved. She was fêted by millions. She was the inspiration for great works of art and for herculean efforts of labor. She was - The GODdess.
She was - Valentine DeVille.

At first, The GODdess did not consent to this use of Her image. She - and all others - recognized fully that having her image on a hundred dollar bill was a favor that
the country would feel honored to receive.

When word that She might decline first surfaced, there followed a nationwide effort to convince Her to agree. Letters by the thousands were sent to newspapers. Rallies in major cities were held. And personal appeals were made by the president, first lady, and secretary of commerce. Finally, and to the government's great relief, She assented - generously giving the populous of a grateful country what so many had desired - the opportunity to own a bill with Her picture and thereby to be able to carry Her image with them and to keep Her image close.