When that $50 bill is a rare find worth thousands! Before you hand it over for dinner, take a closer look—it might be a hidden gem.

50-Dollar Bill Value Chart

Keep this handy value chart nearby to quickly check if your $50 bill could be worth more. These examples come from US Currency Auctions and highlight some of the oldest and most valuable bills out there:

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

The oldest 50-dollar bills, called “large notes,” were much bigger than today’s bills—about 7.42 by 3.1 inches. Because of their age and size, they’re often worth a lot more.

How Rare Are $50 Bills?

Even though you don’t see them every day, most $50 bills aren’t rare. In 2022, the Federal Reserve reported 2.5 billion $50 bills in circulation. While that’s far fewer than $1s or $100s, it’s still a hefty supply.

So, what makes a $50 rare? It has to stand out—whether it’s old, has a printing error, or features a unique serial number.

how Much Is a $50 Bill Worth?

Every $50 bill is worth at least its face value. But some are worth way more. If yours is a large note, it could fetch at least $150—and potentially thousands.

Here’s what to look for:

• Old bills – Pre-1928 or large-size notes are especially valuable.
• Excellent condition – Less wear means more value. Uncirculated bills are ideal.
• Printing errors – Mistakes can increase worth significantly.
• Handwritten signatures – Some older bills were hand-signed and carry added value.
• Rare serial numbers – Low numbers, patterns, or other unusual features make a difference.

5 Rare and Valuable $50 Bills to Watch For

If your $50 looks out of the ordinary, give it a good look. Some rare examples have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

$50 1861 Interest-Bearing Note

The U.S. began printing paper money in 1861, so notes from this year are extremely rare. Only one Fr. 202a $50 note is known to exist. It sold in 2005 for $368,000.

$50 1863 Legal Tender

A very early piece of U.S. paper currency, the 1863 Fr. 150 note is highly sought after. With only nine known examples, one in excellent condition fetched $299,000 in 2008.

$50 1891 Treasury Note

Just 25 of these Fr. 376 Treasury Notes are known. One with the serial number B2, in perfect condition, sold for $299,000 in 2005.

$50 1882 Gold Certificate

Only four Fr. 1191 examples exist. One in pristine condition sold for $299,000 in 2006.

$50 1869 Legal Tender

This Fr. 151 legal tender bill is incredibly rare, especially in uncirculated form. One flawless example brought in $223,250 in 2016.

Which $50 Serial Numbers Are Valuable?

Serial numbers can make a big difference in value. Use a magnifier and check for:

• Star notes – A star means the bill replaced another during production and may be worth more.
• Palindromes – Serial numbers that read the same forwards and backwards are hot among collectors.
• Low serials – Numbers like 00000001 are considered rare and valuable.
• Repeating patterns – Sequences like 77777777 or 12121212 can increase a bill’s appeal.

Spot a Hidden Treasure in Your Wallet

Take a moment before handing over a $50 bill—especially if it looks unusual. That quick glance might uncover a rare note worth hundreds or even thousands more than its face value.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.