Product: New U.S. $50 bill
Company: U.S. Department of the Treasury

What has shades of blue and red, a metallic silver-blue star and hidden-picture images? Ulysses S. Grant now shares his close-up on the newly issued $50 bill with more colors, images and security features. The federal government issued the redesigned currency Sept. 28, 2004.

The differences in the new currency are visible immediately. Subtle background colors, small yellow number "50s," and a larger, off-center, borderless portrait of Grant are some of the obvious changes.

The design also has several important security features including intricate graphics, micro-printed characters, an embedded security strip, new paper, and shifted serial numbers to thwart counterfeiting efforts.

Expect to see new currency in other denominations issued on a fairly regular basis: Federal officials say they are committed to continuous improvements in currency design as a means of protecting the economy and our hard-earned money, and will introduce new currency every seven to 10 years.

The new $50 note is the second issued in the Series 2004 designs; the redesigned $20 bill was introduced Oct. 9, 2003. A new $100 bill will follow soon; new bills for the $5 and $10 denominations are being designed.

To familiarize people with the new currency, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving offers a line of materials and products for training, education and consumer information at no charge.

These include a brochure, poster, CD-ROM, VHS-video, a kit for small businesses and POS counter-top cards and tips for handling counterfeit bills; visit www.moneyfactory.com to order.

U.S. Department of the Treasury
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
14th and C Streets, SW
Washington D.C. 20228
202-874-3019