"The motto IN GOD WE TRUST was placed on United States coins largely because of the increased religious sentiment existing during the Civil War"
"[The] use of IN GOD WE TRUST has not been uninterrupted. The motto disappeared from the five-cent coin in 1883, and did not reappear until production of the Jefferson nickel began in 1938."
Also, one need not believe in 'nothingness' post-mortem, in the here and now, anymore than one needs to believe two plus two is four. Facts don't ask for a leap of faith. It is only by introducing an afterlife, and some god (take your pick through the ages) when one is asked to believe something that defies reality. The 'religious' have all the proving to do, and if we are to look at their collective example, I'm afraid they're rather making a poor case for it.
Here is an awesome short video of some of the American founding fathers among others, and quotes attributed to them. Please have a look Briboy. Catchy accompanying tune also! There is actually a relative of mine quoted in this video. I won't mention which one though..
Hope you're having a great day! Cheers mate :)
Of course, if you would have it your way, we would have "In God we Trust" off of our currency