Yes, the U.S. Treasury still prints $50 bills and they remain in circulation today. The $50 bill features President Ulysses S. Grant on the front and the U.S. Capitol building on the back. It was first issued in 1918 and has undergone some design changes over the years, but remains a valid form of U.S. currency.
Quick Facts About the $50 Bill
- The current design of the $50 bill debuted in 2004 with the addition of new background colors and security features.
- Approximately 1.1 billion $50 bills were in circulation as of 2020.
- $50 bills account for less than 1% of the total value of U.S. currency in circulation.
- The life span of a $50 bill in circulation is estimated to be 8.5 years before it is taken out of circulation due to wear.
- The largest denomination of U.S. currency currently in circulation is the $100 bill.
History of the $50 Bill
The $50 bill was first issued in 1918 with a portrait of President Ulysses S. Grant on the front. Grant was the commanding general of the Union Army during the American Civil War and later became the 18th President of the United States from 1869 to 1877.
The back of the original $50 bill featured an allegorical design with depictions of Panama as it was being built at the time. This design remained until 1929 when it was replaced with a design featuring the U.S. Capitol building.
In 1966, the $50 bill underwent a complete redesign featuring a colorized front with Grant’s portrait and a red U.S. Treasury seal. The new back design retained the Capitol building theme but with more detail.
The next major redesign came in 1997 when large, off-center portraits were added to U.S. currency along with new security features. On the $50 bill, Grant’s portrait was shifted left to make room for a watermark on the blank space to the right.
The most recent redesign of the $50 bill occurred in 2004 with the addition of subtle background colors of light blue, peach, and yellow. More security features were also added including color-shifting ink, microprinting, and an embedded security thread that reads “USA 50” along with a small flag.
Key Design Updates to the $50 Bill
- 1918 – Original $50 bill issued with Grant’s portrait
- 1929 – Capitol building added to back
- 1966 – Full colorization and details added
- 1997 – Large off-center portraits introduced
- 2004 – New security features and background colors
Rarity and Demand for $50 Bills
While still readily available, $50 bills are not as commonly used in everyday transactions compared to smaller denominations. This makes them slightly less common but still a normal part of currency circulation.
Here are some key facts about the rarity and demand for $50 bills today:
- As of 2020, there were 1.1 billion $50 bills in circulation worldwide.
- $50 bills account for just 0.9% of the total value of U.S. currency in circulation.
- They are the third least circulated bill behind the $2 bill (0.5%) and $500 bill (0%).
- New $50 bills make up around 3-4% of the currency printed annually by the U.S. Treasury.
- Demand rises ahead of holidays and for certain banking transactions when larger bills are preferred.
While nowhere near as rare as higher denominations or special issue bills, the relative scarcity of $50 bills compared to $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills adds to their appeal for collectors and bill enthusiasts.
Using and Collecting $50 Bills
The $50 bill remains fully valid and redeemable at face value in financial transactions. However, its less frequent use means some businesses may be reluctant to accept very large quantities of $50 bills.
Banks will exchange older $50 bills from previous series for the current design. Certain collector editions and older $50 bills from the World War II era may trade for a premium among collectors and dealers.
Some key facts about using and collecting $50 bills:
- Most major retailers will accept a reasonable number of $50 bills at face value for purchases.
- Banks recommend spending or exchanging older series $50 bills as they become less usable over time.
- The 1934 series $50 bill with a Hawaiian overprint note can sell for $800 to $1,500 in uncirculated condition.
- Uncut sheets of $50 bills are popular collector items, selling for around $2,500 depending on series and condition.
For collectors, $50 bills with unique serial numbers, production errors, or from discontinued series can command significant premiums. However, normal circulation $50 bills have little collectible value above face value.
Security Features
Modern $50 bills contain a number of security features designed to thwart counterfeiting and enable verification of authenticity. These include:
- Portrait Watermark – Holding the bill up to the light reveals a faint image of Grant’s portrait visible from both sides.
- Security Thread – A plastic strip embedded in the bill that reads “USA 50” and glows green under UV light.
- Color-Shifting Ink – The number 50 in the lower right corner shifts from copper to green when tilted.
- Microprinting – Tiny “FIFTY” lettering borders the portrait and is visible under magnification.
- Raised Printing – Printing on the shoulder and coat of Grant’s portrait gives a raised texture.
These and other security measures make modern U.S. currency very difficult to successfully counterfeit. However, there are still important security tips to follow when accepting $50 bills:
- Know the look and feel of real U.S. currency.
- Use a counterfeit detection pen on suspect bills.
- Check for distinct portrait and paper watermarks.
- Examine microprinting and other security features closely.
- Compare suspect bills side-by-side to confirmed authentic bills.
The Future of the $50 Bill
The $50 bill was saved from potential retirement in 2016 when the U.S. Treasury discontinued higher denomination bills used less frequently in commerce. While less often used in cash transactions today, the $50 bill remains an important component of U.S. currency.
Here is what the future may hold for the $50 bill:
- The next redesign series is tentatively planned for 2026 to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats.
- Portrait and back design are unlikely to change unless public opinion shifts.
- Further security feature enhancements will be incorporated.
- The $50 could see increased use if inflation reduces buying power of smaller bills over time.
- A shift away from cash to digital payments may reduce future $50 bill demand.
While its usage has gradually declined, the $50 bill fills an important role for larger cash transactions and retains enduring popularity with the public. The unique history, design, and aura of prestige surrounding $50 bills are likely to make them a permanent fixture of American currency for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
In summary, the $50 bill remains an active component of U.S. currency today despite being one of the less commonly seen paper bills. Tens of millions remain in circulation at any given time. The U.S. Treasury continues printing new $50 notes to replace worn out bills taken out of circulation annually.
While not as widely used as smaller denominations for average transactions, the $50 bill retains an important role facilitating larger cash payments, bank transfers, and for collectors. The $50 is likely here to stay for the foreseeable future, even as digital payment options reduce demand for cash transactions over time.
So for anyone wondering “do they still make $50 bills?”, the answer is a definitive yes. As long as the $50 bill continues serving its purpose in commerce and public interest remains, the U.S. Treasury will keep printing fresh supplies of new $50 notes in the iconic style introduced way back in 1918 featuring President Grant.