The $50 bill, featuring Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th US President, is a common denomination of US currency. It boasts a rich history and incorporates various security features to deter counterfeiting. This guide delves into the different versions of the $50 bill, highlighting their distinctive characteristics and evolution over time.
The Current $50 Bill (2004 – Present)
The current $50 bill, issued since 2004, showcases a predominantly blue and red color scheme.
Key security features include:
- Color-Shifting Ink: The numeral 50 in the lower right corner shifts from copper to green when the bill is tilted.
- Watermark: A faint image of President Grant is visible to the right of his portrait when held to light.
- Security Thread: An embedded vertical thread to the right of the portrait displays the text “USA 50” and a flag. It glows yellow under UV light.
- Raised Printing: Tactile raised printing can be felt throughout the bill, especially on Grant’s portrait and the large numeral 50 on the back.
- Microprinting: Tiny printed words “FIFTY,” “USA,” and “50” are hidden within the design.
Previous Versions of the $50 Bill
Prior to the current design, several other versions of the $50 bill circulated:
Series 1997-2004
This version introduced an enlarged portrait of Grant and a less detailed vignette of the US Capitol. The color-shifting ink changed from green to black.
Series 1990-1997
This series incorporated a security thread and microprinting for the first time. The thread glowed yellow under UV light, and the microprinting featured the words “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around Grant’s portrait.
Series 1914-1990
This design featured a smaller portrait of Grant and a more ornate vignette. Several variations existed within this series, with changes to the Treasury seal and the back design featuring the US Capitol after 1929.
History of the $50 Bill
The $50 bill’s history dates back to the Civil War era, with the issuance of Demand Notes in 1861 and United States Notes in 1862. The design evolved gradually, incorporating security features and undergoing significant changes in 1929 and 1996 to combat counterfeiting.
The modern $50 bill, with its advanced security features and distinctive design, reflects the ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of US currency. The $50 bill remains a crucial part of the American financial landscape.
