5 Rare 50-Dollar Bills Worth Six Figures

When you think of currency, it’s easy to assume that bills are worth only their face value. However, some 50-dollar bills are rare enough to be worth six figures, and collectors are constantly on the lookout for these treasures. These special bills can fetch huge sums at auctions, sometimes exceeding $100,000. What makes these 50-dollar notes so valuable?

It’s a combination of factors, including their age, rarity, and unique characteristics such as printing errors or special serial numbers. In this blog, we’ll explore five rare 50-dollar bills that have captured the attention of collectors and can command six-figure prices. If you happen to have one of these bills in your possession, you might be holding a small fortune.

50-Dollar Bill Value Guide

To help you identify potentially valuable 50-dollar bills, we’ve put together a value guide based on research from US Currency Auctions. This list includes some of the rarest and most sought-after bills.

Year	Type	Size	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1861-1876	Interest Bearing Note	Large	Red	Too rare to estimate	N/A
1863	United States Note	Large	Red	$8,000 – $16,000	N/A
1869	United States Note	Large	Red	$13,000 – $25,000	N/A
1882	Gold Certificate	Large	Brown	$8,000 – $20,000	N/A
1891	Treasury Note	Large	Red	$35,000 – $50,000	N/A
1913	Gold Certificate	Large	Red	$700 – $1,300	$2,500 and up
1934	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$55 – $120	$150 and up
1969	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$60 – $75	$90 and up
1977	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$60 – $85	$90 and up
1996	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$50 – $65	$70 and up
2013	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$50	$55 and up

Key Information

The earliest $50 bills are classified as “large notes,” meaning they were much larger than the bills we use today, measuring approximately 7.42 by 3.1 inches. These older large notes are often the most valuable.

How Rare Are 50-Dollar Bills?

While we don’t often see 50-dollar bills in our everyday transactions, they aren’t particularly rare. According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 2.5 billion 50-dollar bills were in circulation in 2022. Though this is fewer than the number of more frequently circulated bills, like ones or hundreds, it still represents a significant amount of currency.

For a 50-dollar bill to be considered rare, it must have something special about it. This could include factors such as its age, a printing error, or even a unique serial number that sets it apart from others.

How Much Is a 50-Dollar Bill Worth?

Key Points to Know

A 50-dollar bill is always worth at least its face value of $50. However, certain factors can significantly increase its value. For example, large notes, which are older and rarer, can be worth at least $150 or more, depending on their condition and other characteristics.

If you’re searching for a 50-dollar bill with extra value, keep an eye out for these features:

• Old Bills: Large notes and bills from the early 20th century or earlier can be highly valuable.
• Excellent Condition: Bills with minimal wear or those that have never been circulated (uncirculated) are often worth more.
• Errors: Printing mistakes or other errors on a bill can add to its value, making it more desirable to collectors.
• Signatures: While most modern bills feature printed or engraved serial numbers, older bills may have hand-signed signatures, which can increase their worth.
• Valuable Serial Numbers: Bills with unique or low serial numbers (such as early production numbers) can also carry extra value, especially if they form a memorable pattern.

5 Rare and Valuable 50-Dollar Bills to Look For

If you spot something unusual on your 50-dollar bill, it could be worth more than just its face value. Some of the rarest 50-dollar bills are worth thousands of dollars, so it’s worth examining your bills for any distinguishing features that could make them more valuable.

Key Points to Know

Currency is assigned a Friedberg Number, which classifies different bill designs and signature combinations. This number is essential for collectors when comparing bills. Certain Friedberg Numbers correspond to more valuable bills, making them highly sought after.

Look out for these rare and valuable 50-dollar bills that could bring in significant money:

$50 1861 Interest-Bearing Note

The $50 1861 Interest-Bearing Note is one of the most coveted and valuable pieces of U.S. currency. 1861 marked the first year the United States issued paper money, making bills from this era incredibly rare and highly prized by collectors.

The Fr. 202a $50 note is particularly noteworthy, as it is the only known example still in existence and is in very fine condition. This rare bill fetched an impressive $368,000 when it was sold in 2005, highlighting its immense value in the world of currency collecting.

$50 1863 Legal Tender

The $50 1863 Legal Tender note is another extremely rare and valuable piece of U.S. history. As one of the earliest forms of paper currency, the 1863 (Fr. 150) note is highly sought after by collectors. Only about nine bills of this type are known to exist, making it incredibly scarce. A well-preserved example of this note sold for $299,000 in 2008, further emphasizing its significant value among rare currency collectors.

$50 1891 Treasury Note

The $50 1891 Treasury Note is one of the rarest and most valuable U.S. currency notes. With only 25 known examples in existence, the 1891 Treasury Note (Fr. 376) is highly sought after by collectors. Uncirculated notes, especially those with low serial numbers, are especially prized. A pristine example of this note, featuring serial number B2, sold for $299,000 in 2005, underscoring its considerable worth in the world of rare currency.

$50 1882 Gold Certificate

The $50 1882 Gold Certificate is an ultra-rare and highly valuable piece of U.S. currency. Known as Fr. 1191, there are only four examples of this note in existence, making it a coveted find for collectors. One particularly well-preserved note with crisp details and clean printing fetched an impressive $299,000 when it was sold in 2006, demonstrating just how valuable this piece of history is in the world of currency collecting.

$50 1869 Legal Tender

The $50 1869 Legal Tender note is a highly rare and valuable bill. Known as Fr. 151, this note is almost impossible to find in uncirculated condition due to its age and history. One exceptional example, which appears to have never been circulated and remains crisp and clean, sold for $223,250 in 2016. Its rarity and pristine condition make it a highly sought-after piece among currency collectors.

Which 50-Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Are Valuable?

The serial number on a 50-dollar bill can significantly affect its value, so it’s essential to examine it closely when assessing your currency. Here are some characteristics to look for that could make your bill worth more than its face value:

• Stars: A star in the serial number indicates that the bill is a replacement note. Star notes are often more valuable because they are produced to replace damaged or misprinted bills.
• Palindrome: A serial number that reads the same forward and backward is known as a palindrome. Collectors often seek out these unique serial numbers, and they can increase the bill’s value.
• Low Numbers: A low serial number, such as 00000001 or 00000123, means the bill is one of the first produced in its series. These tend to be worth more due to their rarity.
• Repeats: Serial numbers that feature repeating digits, like 777777 or 111111, are also highly desirable to collectors and can be worth more.

Spot a Treasure Worth More Than $50

Before spending your 50-dollar bill, take a moment to check for rare serial number traits. Knowing what to look for can help you discover a hidden gem that’s worth far more than just $50.

Conclusion

Rare 50-dollar bills offer an exciting glimpse into the world of currency collecting, where age, rarity, and unique features can make a bill worth far more than its face value. Whether it’s an 1861 Interest-Bearing Note or a 1869 Legal Tender, these bills highlight the fascinating value that rare currency can hold. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these bills, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Always take the time to inspect your 50-dollar bills closely you might have a treasure on your hands!

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