US 50 Dollar Banknote (Blue Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been issued in a variety of historic formats by the U.S. Treasury and later the Federal Reserve, including this impressive US $50 Blue Seal banknote first issued in 1914. This note forms part of the very first Federal Reserve Note series and reflects a pivotal moment in the evolution of the modern American monetary system following the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.

This $50 banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is immediately identifiable by its blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers, which distinguish early Federal Reserve Notes from later issues. These notes were introduced to strengthen the stability of the US banking system and circulated widely during the early twentieth century.

On the obverse of the banknote is a finely engraved portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and former Union Army general. Grant’s portrait is centrally positioned within an oval frame and surrounded by intricate scrollwork and ornamental engraving. The wording “The United States of America” appears across the top, with “Fifty Dollars” clearly engraved below. Federal Reserve district identifiers, the blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers are all visible, confirming its classification as a Blue Seal note.

The reverse of the note features a dramatic allegorical maritime scene dominated by a standing female figure symbolising America and global commerce. She is positioned between two ocean-going steamships, representing international trade and the United States’ growing influence on the world stage. Palm trees, open water and distant vessels complete the composition, while the denomination “Fifty Dollars” is displayed prominently at the bottom, framed by elaborate decorative borders and corner numerals.

This series is particularly admired for its large-format design, exceptional engraving quality and symbolic artwork, making it one of the most visually striking US banknotes of the early Federal Reserve era. Although no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency.

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we provide a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency. Many banks no longer accept older US notes, but we specialise in exchanging discontinued United States dollar banknotes and arranging payment directly to your UK bank account once the exchange has been approved.

Whether you are exchanging a single historic note or a larger collection of withdrawn US banknotes, our straightforward process ensures your currency is handled securely and professionally.

For all high-value transactions, we will require valid identification in order to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLR).

Image: National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.