Graphic of the BEP Seal
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Pictured below: Shrink-wrapped packages of one dollar notes.
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$50 Note Security Features (Series 1996 - 2001)
The United States of America issues currency with security features that will help protect against technologies that could be used for counterfeiting. These $50 notes were first issued in 1997. There will be no recall or devaluation of any U.S. currency. Old or new, all U.S. currency always will be honored at full face value.
1996 - 2003 $50 Note
  1. Watermark. A watermark of Grant is located in the blank space to the right of the portrait and is visible from both sides when held up to a light.
  2. Security Thread. The thread, which glows yellow under an ultraviolet light, is positioned to the right of the portrait on the note. The words "USA 50" and a flag can be seen from both sides of the note when held up to a bright light.
  3. Fine Line Printing Patterns. The fine lines printed behind Grant's portrait and the U.S. Capitol are difficult to replicate.
  4. Microprinting. On the front of the note, the word "Fifty" is repeated in the alternating spaces in the vertical side borders of the note. "The United States of America" can be found in the left side of Grant's shirt collar below his beard.
  5. Color-Shifting Ink.The number in the lower right corner on the front of the note looks green when viewed straight on, but black when viewed at an angle.
  6. Low-Vision Feature. The large numeral "50" in the lower right corner on the back of the $50 note is easy to read.