Discover The History Of The $50 Bill!

The $50 bill, a common but often overlooked piece of currency, has a rich and varied history that dates back to the Colonial Period. Over the years, the $50 bill has undergone numerous design changes and featured portraits of various famous figures. Despite its importance in commerce and transactions, the $50 bill is often associated with counterfeiting and is sometimes viewed unfavorably by the public.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of the $50 bill, from its various design iterations to its enhanced security features. We will explore the faces that have graced the bill over the years, as well as rare and unique bills that are highly coveted by collectors. Additionally, we will examine the legacy of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, whose portrait is currently featured on the $50 bill.

Through this exploration, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the fascinating world of the $50 bill and its place in American history.

Faces on $50 Bill

The faces on the $50 bill, which have varied throughout history, serve as symbolic representations of the individuals who have played significant roles in shaping American history and politics.

The first United States $50 bill, printed in 1778 during the Colonial Period, featured a simple design with a pyramid and 13 steps representing the 13 states.

Later legal tender $50 bills featured the portrait of statesman Henry Clay, while silver certificate $50 bills printed between 1869 and 1880 featured the portrait of Edward Everett, governor of Massachusetts.

The 1891 $50 Treasury 'Seward' Note featured William Seward, a former United States Secretary, while the 1913 $50 Gold Certificate featured a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, among the first series of bills to do so.

Grant was a commanding general in the Union army during the Civil War and served as the 18th U.S. president from 1869 to 1877.

The current $50 bill features Grant's portrait with enhanced security features, including a color-shifting numeral 50 and a portrait watermark visible from both sides.

The faces on the $50 bill are a reflection of American history and politics, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the country.

Design Evolution

Throughout the years, the design of $50 bills has undergone significant changes, with different leaders and governments modifying the national currency. The first United States $50 bill was printed in 1778 during the Colonial Period and featured a simple design with a pyramid and 13 steps representing the 13 states. However, as the country developed and evolved, new designs were created to reflect the changing times. For example, legal tender $50 bills from 1869 featured a unique design with multiple colors, fibers, and partially blue paper, and the portrait of statesman Henry Clay.

To better understand the evolution of the $50 bill, the following table highlights some of the different designs and features of the bill throughout history.

Year	Design	Portrait
1778	Simple design with a pyramid and 13 steps	N/A
1869	Multiple colors, fibers, and partially blue paper	Henry Clay
1880	Large brown seal	Edward Everett
1891	Small thin red seal	William Seward
1913	Scarce banknote with enhanced security features	Ulysses S. Grant

As shown in the table, the design of the $50 bill has come a long way since its inception. Today, the bill features advanced security features, including a color-shifting numeral 50 and a portrait watermark visible from both sides. While the design may continue to evolve, the $50 bill remains an important part of American currency and history.

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Rare and Unique Bills

Featuring portraits of historical figures and unique designs, $50 bills have become collector's items for those interested in rare and valuable currency.

Among the rarest and most sought-after $50 bills is the 1882 Blue Seal National Bank Note, which features George Washington crossing the Delaware and praying on opposite sides. These banknotes were only printed by a few national banks in the United States, making them extremely rare and valuable. One of these bills sold at auction for $430,000 in 2013, making it one of the most expensive pieces of currency ever sold.

Another rare $50 bill is the 1891 Treasury 'Seward' Note, which features William Seward, a former United States Secretary. Only a small thin red seal distinguishes these banknotes from others, making them easy to overlook or mistake for a different denomination. These notes were only printed briefly and are now highly sought-after by collectors. In 2018, one of these banknotes sold at auction for $352,500, making it one of the most expensive $50 bills ever sold.

The unique designs and historical figures featured on these rare $50 bills make them highly valued by collectors and history enthusiasts alike.

Current Security Features

Current $50 bills incorporate advanced security features that make them difficult to counterfeit. One of the most prominent features is the 3D security ribbon, which is woven into the paper and features images of bells and the numeral 50 that shift in color as the bill is tilted. The ribbon is also raised and can be felt by touch, making it easier for people to identify real bills.

Another security feature is the portrait watermark, visible on both sides of the note when held up to the light. The watermark features a faint image of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th U.S. president and the face of the $50 bill.

In addition to these features, the $50 bill also includes microprinting, which is text that is too small to read without a magnifying glass. The microprinting appears on various parts of the bill, including the security thread, the Federal Reserve seal, and the numeral 50.

The bill also includes a color-shifting numeral 50 on the lower right corner of the front side, which changes from copper to green when tilted. These features make it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate the bill and help protect both individuals and businesses from financial loss.

Ulysses S. Grant's Legacy

Ulysses S. Grant's presidency was marked by efforts to reconcile the North and South, protect civil rights, and stabilize the post-civil war economy, but also by scandals and corruption.

As a commanding general in the Union army during the Civil War, Grant worked to bring an end to the war and promote unity between the North and South.

During his presidency, Grant continued this work by supporting civil rights legislation and creating the Department of Justice to protect the rights of newly freed black slaves.

However, Grant's presidency was also marked by scandals and corruption, including the notorious Whiskey Ring scandal in which government officials conspired with whiskey distillers to avoid paying taxes.

Despite these challenges, Grant's legacy remains significant as a leader who worked to bring unity and stability to a divided nation.