New $50 in Circulation

WASHINGTON-Financial Institutions began circulating the redesigned $50 bill Sept. 28. Officials from Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and Secret Service were on hand for the new notes first usage: the purchase of an American flag in Washington, D.C.’s Union Station. The $50 note now 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 redesign was prompted by the government’s ongoing efforts to stay ahead of counterfeiting and protect the integrity of U.S. currency. The $20 bill was redesigned and circulated in October 2003. The $10 note is next to be unveiled next spring. The $100 bill is also on the drawing board. A decision has not been made for the $5 bill, but the $1 and $2 will not be redesigned.