The $50 bill, featuring Ulysses S. Grant, occupies a unique space in American numismatics. Because $50 was a significant amount of money during the mid-20th century, these notes were rarely hoarded by the general public. Consequently, finding “Gem” quality examples of older series is significantly more difficult than finding lower denominations.

From the prestigious 1928 Gold Certificates to the high-value 1950E Green Seals, this guide provides the essential data for appraising small-size $50 banknotes.

How Banknotes Are Graded

With higher denomination notes like the $50 bill, the financial “gap” between grades is substantial. A single fold can be the difference between a $100 note and a $500 asset.

• Average Circulated (VF to EF): These notes show honest wear from circulation. A Very Fine (VF) note may have several folds and light smudging, while an Extremely Fine (EF) note is nearly new with only 1–3 light vertical folds. Both must have a semi-crisp surface and zero tears.

• Uncirculated (UNC / CU): Often called “Crisp Uncirculated,” these are flawless. They have never been folded, show zero handling marks, and feature perfectly sharp, square corners.

• Gem Uncirculated: These are the “museum quality” notes. They possess perfect centering, exceptional paper quality (EPQ), and original ink shimmer. Collectors pay massive premiums for Gem-graded $50 notes because of their high survival rarity.

Pro Tip: Look for the Star (★) in the serial number. These are replacement notes issued in tiny quantities. Because $50 star notes are printed in much smaller runs than $1 notes, they are naturally scarcer.

🔗 Check your Star Note rarity here: Star Note Lookup and Mintage Data

$50 Banknote Valuation Chart (Small Size)

Values are estimated based on market averages. National Bank Notes (Brown Seals) from specific banks can be worth far more than the standard issues.

Major $50 Rarities to Watch For

1. 1928 Gold Certificates (Gold Seal)

The 1928 $50 Gold Certificate is a highly coveted note. Featuring a bright yellow/gold seal and serial numbers, these notes were once redeemable for gold coin. After the gold recall of 1933, most were returned to the Treasury and destroyed, leaving very few high-grade examples for modern collectors.

2. The 1950E Series

The Series 1950E $50 Federal Reserve Note is a unique variety that carries a higher premium than its surrounding series (1950D or 1963A). Even in circulated grades, this note is worth a nearly 50% premium over its face value, with Uncirculated examples starting at $200.

3. National Bank Notes (Brown Seals)

The Series 1929 $50 Brown Seal notes were issued by specific local banks. While a “common” bank might be worth $100, a note from a “rare” bank in a small town can sell for thousands of dollars. Always check the name of the bank printed on the left side of the note.

4. Star Notes and Fancy Serials

Because $50 bills are printed in lower volumes than $1 bills, finding a “Short Run” star note is much more likely to yield a high-value asset.

• Low Serials: Numbers under 00000100 on a $50 can be worth $250+.

• Star Notes: A high-grade modern star note from the 1990s can still bring a healthy premium over face value.

🔗 Check your modern Star Note run size: Star Note Lookup and Mintage Data

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