$50 National Bank Notes
The most common large size fifty dollar national bank note is the 1902 blue seal. However, even blue seals can be rare and valuable depending on which bank issued it. All other large size fifties are very difficult to locate. 1,847 different national banks issued large size fifty dollar bills. However, when they were issued they tended to be printed in short runs. It was also cost prohibitive to save a $50 bill just as a curiosity item. Fifty dollars represented a substantial amount of money. The pictures below are just examples. Your exact note will likely be from a different bank and town. Sales@AntiqueMoney.com
It is hard to believe that first charter fifties are tied for the third rarest large size fifty dollar national bank note. Right now there are only 100 known to exist from all banks in the country. Many states don’t have a fifty dollar first charter known to exist; and some states didn’t even have a bank that issued such a high denomination so early. These will almost always be worth at least $10,000.
There are currently only seven fifty dollar national gold bank notes known to exist. That makes them the rarest $50 national bank note. These gold notes were only issued by a few banks in California, and for a very short period of time. There are likely not too many more of these hiding waiting to be found. These notes appeal to many collectors because of the coin design on the back of each bill.
The $50 1882 brown back is a spectacular note when it is found in high grade. The colors are vibrant and they look brilliant with the vignettes. High denomination notes like this were typically only printed by larger banks found in state capitals or larger regional cities. Small towns rarely had use for larger bills. There are some exceptions to that rule. Some bankers wanted currency, but they didn’t want to be bothered by actually having to manage the circulation. These banks would be likely candidates for fifty dollar notes.
The 1882 $50 date back is one of the forgotten rarities in the world of national bank notes. There are only a little more than 200 known to exist. The problem is that when these are found the signatures tend to be faded and the bank typically has more exciting currency known to exist from it. However, as a type note, 1882 fifty dollar date backs are a great value right now.
1882 $50 value backs are the second rarest fifty dollar national bank note. Right now it is thought that only eight of these notes are known to exist. Fifty dollar value backs were only printed by two banks, one in New Orleans (as seen above), and another bank in Dayton, Ohio. Due to the strange period of time for which these were printed, those were the only two banks that qualified to issue them. A value back has the value of “fifty dollars” printed in the back center of the bill. Otherwise, they look just like 1882 $50 date backs.
Just like with first charters, there are only about 100 series of 1902 $50 red seal national bank notes known to exist. John Sherman is pictured on the left hand side of each bill. Competition for these red seals is usually fairly high. Both state and type collectors love them and there just aren’t enough to go around. Even the lowest grade examples are worth several thousand dollars. High grade notes from rare banks are exceptionally valuable.
Series of 1902 $50 blue seals are the most common large size fifty dollar national bank note. Some can be bought for as little as a few hundred dollars. Others can bring several thousand. High denomination blue seals were a favorite issue of larger cities. These were printed up until the 1920s. Many of these are still around. They are always fun to see, but they are really hit and miss when it comes to values and popularity.
Small size $50 national bank notes from 1929 tend to be very common. 90% of them can be bought for less than $300. The rarer issues can bring more money, but it really just depends on the serial number, condition, and bank of issue. Ulysses Grant is pictured in the center of each bill.
I would love a chance to see your $50 national bank note. Just send a picture of what you have and I will give you my opinion. Sales@AntiqueMoney.com
