New $50 Bill Issued

September 29, 2004

New $50 Bill Issued
September 29, 2004 – The newly redesigned $50 bill arrived at banks yesterday. To mark the occasion, officials from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Secret Service were on hand for the first transaction, using the newly redesigned $50 note to purchase an American flag from the Alamo Flag shop in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.

The new $50 bill includes enhanced security features, subtle background colors of blue and red, images of a waving American flag and a small metallic silver-blue star. The new design is part of the U.S. government’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of counterfeiting and protect the integrity of U.S. currency.

"The stability and integrity of U.S. paper currency is something the U.S. government takes very seriously," said Brian Roseboro, Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Department of the Treasury. "We believe that redesigning the currency regularly and enhancing security features is the way to keep U.S. currency safe and secure from would-be counterfeiters."

The government is supporting the new currency’s issue with a public education program designed to inform people in the U.S. and overseas about updated security features and ensure a smooth introduction of each newly designed note into circulation.

To learn more about the new $50 bill, visit the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.