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Inventory:
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- Product ID: 10350
The 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note, graded XF-AU (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated), is a notable piece of U.S. paper currency that was issued by the U.S. Treasury as part of the 1950 series. This series marked a significant point in the history of U.S. currency as it represented an evolution of design, with features that were intended to improve the security and longevity of the notes in circulation. The 1950 series notes, including the $10 denomination, were issued during a time of relative economic stability in the United States, following the end of World War II and the beginning of the post-war economic boom. These notes were part of the broader effort to stabilize the U.S. economy and maintain public confidence in the nation's currency system.
The 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note features a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, which has been featured on U.S. $10 notes since the early 20th century. Hamilton’s image is prominently displayed on the left side of the note. Hamilton, as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was instrumental in establishing the financial system of the nation, and his image on U.S. currency symbolizes the importance of his contributions. His portrait was engraved by the U.S. Treasury’s Chief Engraver, John R. Sinnock, and is one of the most recognizable and enduring images on U.S. paper currency. The note also features the traditional U.S. Treasury seal and the words "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" along the top and "THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE" along the bottom.
In addition to the portrait of Hamilton, the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note features a large, bold “10” in the lower right corner and the serial number and Treasury signatures on the right. The Treasury signatures were those of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. At the time, the Treasurer was Fred H. Winthrop, and the Secretary of the Treasury was John W. Snyder. The note also features intricate patterns of scrollwork, as well as the words “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” prominently displayed on the left side of the bill, along with the name of the Federal Reserve Bank issuing the note. The 1950 series marks the continued use of a design that was established in the 1928 series but with several enhancements to improve the note's durability and security features.
On the reverse of the note, the design focuses on the central bold "10" and the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the top. Below the number, the note features the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" as part of the country’s official motto. The reverse is designed with fine details in the border and background, which were intended to make counterfeiting more difficult. At the center of the reverse, the note includes the words "THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE" and "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." The reverse design is relatively simple compared to the obverse but retains the complexity that characterizes U.S. currency, with an emphasis on the note’s denomination and legal status as a medium of exchange.
The 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Notes were issued in large numbers, as they were designed to meet the growing demand for currency in the post-war U.S. economy. The mintage of the 1950 series $10 notes was substantial, with millions of these notes being printed. These notes were circulated throughout the United States and played an important role in the nation’s daily economic activities, serving as a common form of payment for goods and services. However, as with many older series of U.S. currency, many of the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Notes were eventually taken out of circulation and replaced with newer notes as part of regular currency turnover. As a result, the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note is not as commonly found in pristine condition, especially in higher grades such as XF-AU, making it a more sought-after piece for collectors today.
In terms of its condition, a 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note graded XF-AU (Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated) is considered to be in exceptional shape. Notes in this grade range typically show only minor signs of handling, such as light folds, slight creases, and slight wear on the edges, but they retain much of their original sharpness and crispness. The note’s design elements, including the portrait of Alexander Hamilton and the intricate border, are still well-defined, and the serial numbers and Treasury signatures are legible and bold. A note in this condition will generally have minimal soiling or staining, and any wear will be mostly on the corners or edges. The note’s paper will be firm, with only minor signs of previous handling, making it a highly collectible example of this historical currency series.
The value of the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note in XF-AU condition is determined by several factors, including its rarity, condition, and demand among collectors. The 1950 $10 note is relatively common compared to other denominations in the series, but those in high-grade conditions such as XF-AU are more valuable and highly sought after. The historical significance of the 1950 series, as well as the importance of Alexander Hamilton’s portrait on U.S. currency, further increases the demand for these notes. Additionally, notes from the 1950 series are part of a larger historical context, as they were issued during a time of economic prosperity in the United States, which further enhances their appeal to collectors and investors.
In conclusion, the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note, graded XF-AU, is an important and collectible piece of U.S. currency that reflects a pivotal moment in American financial history. Its design, featuring the portrait of Alexander Hamilton, and its role as a Silver Certificate, make it a significant representation of mid-20th-century American currency. With its clean design, solid condition, and historical value, the 1950 $10 Federal Reserve Note in XF-AU is a highly desirable item for collectors and an essential piece of American numismatic history.