
The United States fifty-dollar bill is a widely recognized and used denomination in the country. It features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States.
The bill's design has undergone several changes since its introduction in 1913. The current design, featuring a large portrait of Grant, was introduced in 1914.
The fifty-dollar bill is a popular choice for everyday transactions and is widely accepted by merchants and businesses.
A fresh viewpoint: Pronounce Fifty
Security Features
The security features of the United States fifty-dollar bill are designed to prevent counterfeiting and ensure authenticity. These features are cleverly hidden in plain sight, requiring a closer look to appreciate.
Hold the note to light to see the embedded Security Thread, which glows yellow under ultraviolet light and features the text USA 50 and a small flag in an alternating pattern. This thread is visible from both sides of the note.
You can also spot the Watermark, a faint image of President Grant in the blank space to the right of the portrait, visible from both sides of the note when held to light.
The Microprinting on the note is another clever feature, where you'll find the small printed words THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the outer edge of the portrait's oval frame, requiring magnification to see clearly.
To verify the authenticity of the note, look for the unique combination of eleven numbers and letters, which appears twice on the front of the note.
Recommended read: Canadian Fifty-dollar Note
Security Thread
The Security Thread is a unique feature that's both functional and fascinating. It's a thin thread that's embedded vertically to the right of the portrait on the note.
To spot it, you'll need to hold the note up to the light - and I've found that natural sunlight works just as well as any lamp. The thread is imprinted with the text USA 50 and a small flag in an alternating pattern.
What's really cool is that this thread glows yellow when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
Watermark
The watermark on some notes is a clever security feature that can be hard to spot at first glance.
You can reveal the hidden image by holding the note up to light.
The image is visible from both sides of the note, which is quite impressive.
Color-Shifting Ink
Color-Shifting Ink is a game-changer for security features. It's a type of ink that changes color in response to temperature changes, making it nearly impossible to replicate.
This ink is often used in banknotes and other high-security documents to prevent counterfeiting. It's a key feature in many countries' currency.
One of the most interesting things about color-shifting ink is that it can change color in response to even slight temperature changes. This makes it very difficult to detect.
Color-shifting ink is not just limited to banknotes, it's also used in other high-security documents like passports and IDs. It's a trusted way to verify authenticity.
The unique properties of color-shifting ink make it a valuable tool in the fight against counterfeiting. Its ability to change color in response to temperature changes is a major deterrent.
You might like: Climate Change and Insurance in the United States
Microprinting
Microprinting is a clever security feature that requires a closer look to appreciate. It's often necessary to use magnification to see the tiny printed words.
Take a look along the outer edge of the portrait's oval frame on a Federal Reserve note, and you'll spot the small printed words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA". This is a key part of the microprinting feature.
Here are some other security features that can be found through microprinting:
- A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name and corresponding letter of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.
- A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
- A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.
The distinctive texture of genuine Federal Reserve notes is also due to the raised printing. You can feel it by moving your finger along the note's surface.
Design and History
The United States fifty-dollar bill has a distinctive design that's worth noting. The portrait of President Grant is prominently featured on the front of the note.
The vignette on the back of the note has undergone a change over the years. In 1929, it was updated to feature the United States Capitol.
The design of the fifty-dollar bill has a rich history, with the portrait of President Grant being a constant presence.
Portrait and Vignette

The portrait on the $50 note features President Grant, a notable figure in American history. He's an important part of the country's past, and his likeness has been featured on this denomination since its introduction.
The vignette on the back of the note changed in 1929 to feature the United States Capitol. This iconic building is a symbol of American democracy and government.
Treasury Seal
The Treasury Seal is a distinctive feature on US currency. It's located to the right of the portrait.
The design of the Treasury Seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription. This change appears on all Federal Reserve notes from the 1969 series year or later.
Consider reading: United States Treasury Security
Portrait Watermark
The Portrait Watermark is a fascinating feature of the note.
To spot it, hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Grant in the blank space to the right of the portrait.
This image is visible from both sides of the note, which is a clever design element.

When illuminated by ultraviolet light, an embedded thread running vertically to the right of the portrait glows yellow.
This thread is imprinted with the text USA 50 and a small flag in an alternating pattern, and is also visible from both sides of the note.
Look closely to see the small printed text FIFTY, USA, and 50 inside two of the blue stars to the left of the portrait.
You can also spot FIFTY repeated within both side borders of the note.
In addition, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is printed in President Grant’s collar.
History
The history of design is a long and winding road that spans thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome all made significant contributions to the field.
One of the earliest recorded forms of design was found in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, which date back to around 3000 BC. These intricate symbols and images were used to tell stories and convey important information.

The ancient Greeks made significant advancements in design, particularly in the areas of architecture and sculpture. The iconic Parthenon in Athens, built in the 5th century BC, is a prime example of Greek design.
In the Renaissance period, artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo pushed the boundaries of design, combining art and science to create innovative and beautiful works.
Large Size Notes
Large Size Notes were introduced in the 1970s to meet the growing demand for a larger writing space.
The introduction of the 8.5 x 11 inch format, also known as the Letter size, became the standard for Large Size Notes, making it easier to print and distribute.
Large Size Notes have a slightly different aspect ratio than regular notes, which can make them more suitable for certain types of writing or drawing.
The increased size of Large Size Notes allows for more space to write down ideas, making them a popular choice for brainstorming and note-taking.
Note Variations
The fifty-dollar bill has undergone several design changes over the years, with the most notable being the addition of a new portrait in 1913.
The obverse of the bill features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, who served from 1869 to 1877.
The reverse of the bill has also been updated, featuring a vignette of a Treasury building in 1913.
The Treasury building is located in Washington, D.C. and is a prominent landmark in the nation's capital.
The current design of the fifty-dollar bill has been in circulation since 1913 and features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant on the obverse.
Redesigns and Updates
The United States fifty-dollar bill has undergone significant redesigns and updates over the years. The first redesign of the $50 bill was in 1913, featuring a portrait of President William McKinley.
The 1913 redesign was part of a larger effort to standardize the design of US currency. The bill's design has remained largely unchanged since then.
Life Cycle of a $50 Note
The life cycle of a $50 note is quite fascinating. It involves four critical steps: design, order, production, and issuance.
First, the design process is where the Federal Reserve note gets its unique look and feel. This is where the iconic $50 note design is created.
Before a $50 note can enter circulation, the Federal Reserve must place an order for its production. In 2018, the Federal Reserve placed a print order for 364.8 million notes.
These notes are then produced and put into circulation, where they can be used for transactions. Interestingly, the estimated lifespan of a $50 note is 8.5 years.
The value of $50 notes in circulation is significant, with a total value of $86.4 billion in 2017. This staggering amount highlights the importance of the $50 note in our economy.
Small Size Notes
In the latest redesigns, small size notes have become a game-changer for productivity.
They're now available in a range of colors, including bright pink and electric blue, making them easy to spot in a crowded notebook.
The new design features a smaller format that's perfect for jotting down quick reminders or to-do lists.
Each small size note measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches, making them easy to fit in a purse or pocket.
These tiny notes are also incredibly durable, with a water-resistant coating that can withstand even the toughest writing conditions.
Redesigned Debuts Today
The highly anticipated Redesigned Debuts Today, and it's packed with exciting features. The latest update includes a brand new interface that's 30% faster and more intuitive.
One of the standout features is the improved search function, which can now find results in under 2 seconds. This is a game-changer for those who rely on the app for daily tasks.
The Redesigned also introduces a new dashboard that's customizable to your preferences. You can now pin your favorite features and apps to the top of the screen for easy access.
The update also includes a range of bug fixes and security enhancements to ensure a smoother and safer experience.
1981

The Series 1981 redesign marked a significant change in the production of $50 bills. This series was the first to have a standard print run of 100,000 sheets since October 1983.
Angela M. Buchanan and Donald T. Regan were the signatures on these bills. They were also the first $50 bills to feature serial numbers ending with "B".
The production of Series 1981 $50 bills varied by Federal Reserve Bank. Here's a breakdown of the production timeline for each bank:
Series 1981 bills were widely used in circulation from 1984 to 1986.
1985
In 1985, the Federal Reserve Bank began producing a new series of $50 bills.
The production span for these bills varied by location, with some starting as early as October 1985 and others not beginning until January 1986.
The Boston Federal Reserve Bank produced these bills from October 1985 to May 1989.
The New York Federal Reserve Bank also produced these bills, but only from January 1986 to May 1989.
You might enjoy: Bank of United States

Other locations with shorter production spans include Philadelphia, Cleveland, Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, and San Francisco.
Here is a list of the production spans for each Federal Reserve Bank location in 1985:
The signatures on these bills were those of Katherine Davalos Ortega and James A. Baker III.
1990
The Series 1990 redesign introduced some significant changes to the $50 bill. The production of Series 1990 $50 bills took place in various Federal Reserve Banks across the country.
Here are the production spans for each bank:
The Series 1990 $50 bills featured signatures from Catalina Vasquez Villalpando and Nicholas F. Brady.
1993
The Series 1993 redesign was a significant update to the US currency. It marked the last of the old design and introduced the first notes with serial numbers ending in "D" or "E", which began printing in September 1996.
The production span for Series 1993 $50 bills varied by Federal Reserve Bank. Some notable production dates include Boston (August 1994 – June 1996), New York (July 1994 – April 1997), and Chicago (June 1994 – August 1996).

In some regions, the new design was released in 1997, while in others, Series 1990 $50 bills were still in circulation until then. This discrepancy highlights the complexity of implementing a nationwide redesign.
Here's a breakdown of the production spans for Series 1993 $50 bills by Federal Reserve Bank:
The Series 1993 redesign also introduced new signatures, featuring Mary Ellen Withrow and Lloyd Bentsen.
2004A
The 2004A series was a significant redesign effort by the Federal Reserve Bank. It was produced from September 2005 to February 2007.
The production span of the 2004A series varied by Federal Reserve Bank location. Boston started producing in September 2005, while New York produced from September 2005 to February 2007. Some locations, like Philadelphia and Cleveland, did not produce any 2004A series notes.
The 2004A series featured signatures from Anna Escobedo Cabral and John W. Snow. Release dates for the series were from October 3, 2005, to March 2, 2007.
If this caught your attention, see: Colonial Bank (United States)
Here's a breakdown of the production span for each Federal Reserve Bank location:
Note that some locations, like Philadelphia and Cleveland, did not produce any 2004A series notes.
2006
The Series 2006 redesign brought some interesting changes to the Federal Reserve Bank's notes. The production span for this series varied by district.
Boston produced Series 2006 notes from March 2007 to January 2011. In contrast, some districts only produced notes for a few months.
New York and Philadelphia both stopped producing Series 2006 notes in January 2009. Cleveland and Richmond had a similar production span, from December 2006 to January 2009.
Atlanta produced notes for a short period, from January to February 2009. Chicago's production span was even shorter, from February to June 2009.
St. Louis only produced a single note in December 2006. Minneapolis produced notes from January 2007 to February 2009. Kansas City produced a note in February 2009, and Dallas produced notes from January 2007 to February 2009.
San Francisco produced notes from March 2007 to March 2009. The signatures on Series 2006 notes were Anna Escobedo Cabral and Henry M. Paulson Jr., from January 18, 2007, to April 7, 2009.
2009

The 2009 series was a notable redesign. The production span for Series 2009 $2 bills varied by Federal Reserve Bank, with Boston producing from October 2011 to December 2012.
Some of the production spans for Series 2009 $2 bills are listed below:
The Series 2009 $2 bills were signed by Rosa Gumataotao Rios and Timothy F. Geithner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the new $50 bill look like?
The new $50 bill features a large numeral 50 on the back and a larger portrait of a historical figure, moved off-center to make room for a watermark of the same figure. The watermark is located to the right of the portrait.
How to tell if a $50 bill is counterfeit?
Check for a security thread with the text 'USA 50' and a flag pattern, visible from both sides of the note, and glowing yellow under UV light to verify authenticity
Are old $50 bills valuable?
Old $50 bills can be worth significantly more than face value, depending on their year, condition, serial number, and other factors. Check your old bills carefully to see if they might be worth a small fortune.
Can you still get $50 dollar bills?
Yes, $50 bills are still widely accepted, but they're becoming less common and may be phased out in the future. You can still use them at most merchants and financial institutions.
Are they getting rid of 50 dollar bills?
No, the US government has not announced plans to retire the $50 bill, which remains a valid form of currency. It continues to be printed and accepted for all transactions.
Sources
- https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/50
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_fifty-dollar_bill
- https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/rr2010
- https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/18/economy/historic-number-of-50-bills-were-printed-last-year/index.html
- https://retromedialibrary.fandom.com/wiki/$50
Featured Images: pexels.com