What security features are on $50 bills?

Color-shifting 50 (copper to green), security thread that glows yellow under UV reading 'USA 50', Grant watermark visible when held to light, raised printing you can feel, and subtle blue/red background tinting.

How rare are $50 star notes?

$50 star notes are significantly scarcer than lower denominations because fewer $50s are printed. Print runs are smaller, and high face value means fewer are saved. Low-run $50 stars can be worth $75-$400+ over face value.

Who is on the $50 bill?

Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President (1869-1877) and Civil War commanding general, has appeared on the $50 bill since 1913.

Published: January 13, 2025

Tool

Complete $50 Bill Guide

Identify fifty dollar bills and discover valuable vintage notes.

$50 Bill Design History

The $50 bill featuring Ulysses S. Grant has evolved significantly over time. Identifying your bill's era is the first step to determining value.

Identify old money by era Large-size currency guide

2004-Present

Blue and red background, color-shifting 50, larger off-center portrait.

1996-2004

Large portrait, watermark, color-shifting ink introduced.

1990-1996

Security thread and microprinting added.

1969-1990

Small portrait design, no security features.

1928-1969

Small-size notes. Older series have collector value.

Pre-1929

Large-size notes worth $100-$3,000+ to collectors.

$50 Bill Security Features

Current $50 bills have multiple security features. Know these to verify authenticity:

Currency security features explained Counterfeit detection guide US Currency Education Program

Color-Shifting 50

Lower right '50' shifts from copper to green when tilted.

Security Thread

Vertical strip reads 'USA 50'. Glows yellow under UV light.

Watermark

Hold to light to see Grant portrait and small 50 on right side.

Raised Printing

Feel Grant's shoulder and collar for distinct texture.

Background Colors

Subtle blue (left) and red (right) tinting visible.

EURion Pattern

Small circles that prevent color copiers from reproducing bills.

Scan and identify bills instantly with CashScan.

Free Download

$50 Bill Values by Series

Older $50 bills can be worth significantly more than face value. Here's what to expect:

Check your bill's value PCGS currency price guide

Series	Type	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1928	Gold Certificate	$75-$200	$400-$1,200+
1928	Federal Reserve	$55-$85	$150-$350
1934	Federal Reserve	$52-$70	$100-$200
1950	Federal Reserve	$52-$65	$80-$150
1963-1969	Federal Reserve	$50-$55	$60-$100
1974-1988	Federal Reserve	$50	$52-$70
1990-1996	Federal Reserve	$50	$50-$55
1996-Present	Color Design	$50	$50

$50 Star Notes: Why They're Valuable

Star notes are replacement bills, and $50 star notes are particularly scarce because fewer $50s are printed overall:

What is a star note?Look up your star note

Smaller Print Runs

$50 star note runs are much smaller than $1 or $20 runs.

Higher Face Value

People are less likely to save $50s, making stars rarer in collector hands.

Value Premium

Low-run $50 stars can be worth $75-$400+ over face value.

Research Required

Look up your series/district to find print run size.

Condition Matters

Uncirculated $50 stars command 2-3x circulated prices.

Scan and identify bills instantly with CashScan.

Free Download

Most Valuable $50 Bills

These $50 bill varieties are most sought-after by collectors:

Gold certificate value guide Fancy serial number checker PCGS currency price guide

1928 Gold Certificate

Gold seal $50s are scarce. Worth $100-$1,500+ depending on condition.

National Bank Notes

Small-town bank $50s can be worth $200-$2,000+.

1934 Star Notes

Early star notes are scarce. Worth $100-$500+.

Hawaii Overprint

WWII emergency issue. Worth $75-$400.

Large-Size (Pre-1929)

Horse blanket $50s start at $100 and go much higher.

Fancy Serial Numbers

Solids, ladders, and low numbers on $50s are premium finds.

Features

How CashScan Helps With $50 Bill

Instant Identification

Scan any $50 bill to identify its series instantly.

Security Verification

Learn about the security features on $50 bills.

Vintage Value

Discover if older $50 bills have collector premiums.

Star Note Detection

Identify $50 star notes worth extra.

Try CashScan free to scan, identify, and value your bills.

Free Download

FAQ

Scan Any $50 Bill FAQ

Yes! Pre-1970s $50 bills typically have premiums. 1928 Gold Certificates are worth $100-$1,500+, 1928-1950s Federal Reserve Notes are worth $55-$350, and pre-1929 large-size notes start around $100. Star notes and fancy serials add more.