Pull a fifty-dollar bill out of your wallet—if you're lucky enough to have one handy—and you’ll see a man with a stern, slightly weary expression looking back at you. That’s Ulysses S. Grant. Most people know him as the "Civil War guy" or the 18th President of the United States. But honestly, the story of how the person on the 50 dollar bill actually got there, and why some people have tried to kick him off it, is way more interesting than a high school history textbook makes it sound.
Grant wasn't always a hero. In fact, for a huge chunk of his life, he was basically a failure. He was a guy who struggled with business, hated the sight of blood, and was once so broke he had to pawn his gold watch just to buy Christmas presents for his family. Yet, here he is, immortalized on one of the most common denominations of American currency.
Why Grant? The Logic Behind the Face
The Treasury Department didn't just pull his name out of a hat. When the Federal Reserve started issuing these notes in the early 20th century, they wanted faces that represented "permanence." Grant fits that, but his reputation has done a complete 180-degree turn over the last hundred years.
Back in the day, historians kinda trashed him. They focused on the scandals in his administration and his supposed drinking habits. But recently, experts like Ron Chernow—who wrote that massive biography you’ve probably seen in airports—have helped us see Grant as a civil rights pioneer. He was the one who actually used the power of the federal government to go after the KKK in the 1870s. That’s a big deal.
When you look at the person on the 50 dollar bill, you aren't just looking at a general; you're looking at the man who held the country together when it was literally ripping at the seams.
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The Design of the Fifty: More Than Just a Portrait
The current design of the $50 bill is actually pretty high-tech. If you tilt the bill, you’ll notice the number 50 in the bottom right corner shifts from copper to green. It’s called color-shifting ink. It’s meant to stop counterfeiters, but it also gives the bill a bit of a modern flare that Grant, who lived in an era of mud and telegraphs, would have found baffling.
On the back, you’ve got the U.S. Capitol. It’s a classic image. But there’s a subtle detail most people miss. If you look closely at the portrait of Grant on the front, there are tiny "yellow 50s" printed in the background. It’s part of the EURion constellation, a pattern that tells photocopiers and scanners, "Hey, don't copy this, it's illegal."
Grant has been the face of the $50 since 1913. Before him, we had faces like Benjamin Franklin (who moved to the $100) and even Silas Wright, a guy almost nobody remembers today. Grant stayed because he represents the Union.
The Controversy: Should Grant Be Replaced?
Believe it or not, Grant almost lost his spot. About fifteen years ago, there was a serious push in Congress to put Ronald Reagan on the $50 bill instead.
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Politics is a messy business. Some Republican lawmakers felt Reagan deserved a spot on a major bill, and the $50 seemed like the easiest target. However, the proposal faced a ton of pushback. Historians argued that Grant’s role in winning the Civil War and protecting newly freed slaves during Reconstruction was too important to erase.
The movement eventually fizzled out. Then, more recently, the focus shifted to putting Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. For now, the person on the 50 dollar bill is safe. Grant’s legacy has seen a massive "glow-up" in the eyes of the public. We’ve started to value his quiet persistence over the flashy drama of his contemporaries.
Was He Really a Drunk?
This is the question everyone asks. "Wasn't the guy on the fifty a massive alcoholic?"
Well, it’s complicated.
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Grant definitely had a problem with binge drinking earlier in his career, usually when he was bored or away from his wife, Julia. But the image of him as a stumbling drunk during the war was largely propaganda spread by his rivals. Abraham Lincoln famously defended him, saying something along the lines of, "Find out what brand of whiskey he drinks and send a barrel to my other generals." Lincoln didn't care about the rumors; he cared that Grant was the only one who actually won battles.
Money Matters: How to Use This Knowledge
Understanding the history of our currency isn't just about winning a trivia night. It’s about understanding the values the country chooses to project. Grant was chosen because he symbolized the end of the bloodiest conflict in American history.
If you're a collector or just curious, here are some things to look for:
- Star Notes: If there is a little star next to the serial number on your $50, it means it’s a replacement bill. These are often worth more than face value to collectors.
- Series Dates: Look for the year. The 2004 series was the first to introduce the subtle blue and red background colors.
- Condition: Paper money isn't actually paper; it’s 75% cotton and 25% linen. If your Grant is crisp and uncirculated, keep it flat.
The person on the 50 dollar bill reminds us that you can fail at almost everything—farming, debt collection, real estate—and still end up as the leader of the free world. It’s a very American story of redemption.
Practical Steps for Currency Enthusiasts
If you want to dive deeper into the world of the $50 bill or Ulysses S. Grant, start by visiting a local coin shop. Ask them about "Large Size" notes. Before 1928, U.S. bills were significantly larger than they are now—often called "horse blankets." Seeing a 19th-century $50 bill is a wild experience; the artwork is incredibly intricate, looking more like a fine engraving than a piece of legal tender.
Another great move is to check out the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site if you’re ever near St. Louis. You can see "White Haven," the home where he lived before he became the man on our money. It puts a human face on the portrait. Finally, always verify your larger bills using the watermark and the security thread. Hold the bill up to a light; you should see a faint image of Grant on the right side and a plastic strip that glows yellow under UV light. It’s the best way to make sure your Grant is the real deal.