US Notes

The Sirius and Constitution Ships on the 1875 $50 United States Note: Naval History Encoded in Large-Size Currency Art

The 1875 Series $50 United States Note carries two of America’s most storied vessels rendered in exquisite intaglio engraving, connecting everyday commerce to the nation’s proudest naval chapters. Understanding the imagery, varieties, and survival rates of this remarkable large-size note transforms a single banknote into a window on American history.

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The Frigate Constitution on the 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note: Naval History Meets Currency Art

The 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note carries one of the most dramatic vignettes in American currency history: the legendary warship USS Constitution under full sail. This deep dive explores why the Treasury chose a naval scene for a circulating banknote, how to identify and grade these notes, and which district issues are the true keys to a complete collection.

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