US 50 Dollar Banknote (Red Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been issued in several Treasury formats over time, including this historic US $50 Red Seal banknote first issued in 1914. Unlike Blue Seal Federal Reserve Notes, this version is a United States Note (Legal Tender Note) produced directly by the U.S. Treasury and circulated alongside early Federal Reserve currency.

This $50 banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is immediately recognisable by its red Treasury seal and red serial numbers. These red elements distinguish it from Federal Reserve Notes and identify it as a United States Note, which was legal tender for all debts and obligations.

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 placed within an oval frame and surrounded by intricate ornamental engraving. Across the top appears the wording “The United States of America”, with “Fifty Dollars” engraved prominently below. To the right of the portrait sits the red Treasury seal, accompanied by matching red serial numbers and the 1914 series designation.

The reverse of the note features an allegorical maritime scene symbolising American commerce and international trade. A standing female figure representing America is positioned at the centre, flanked by two ocean-going steamships navigating open waters. Palm trees and distant vessels complete the scene, while the denomination “Fifty Dollars” is displayed boldly at the bottom within elaborate decorative borders and large corner numerals.

This series is admired for its strong red colouring, detailed engraving and classical symbolic artwork, setting United States Notes apart from contemporary Federal Reserve designs. Although no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency and are sought after by collectors and holders of older American banknotes.

• Indicate the quantity of US $50 banknotes you want to exchange

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we provide a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency.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 group 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.