1950B $10 STAR Federal Reserve Note F

The 1950B $10 Federal Reserve Note with a Star replacement designation is an intriguing and collectible example from the postwar era of United States currency, representing a period of economic growth, technological advancement, and stability in the mid-20th century. As part of the long-running 1950 series, this note carried forward the familiar design first introduced in 1929 but included updated Treasury signatures and subtle production refinements. The “B” designation identifies it as the third iteration of the 1950 series, with this variety issued during the mid-1950s under the supervision of Treasury Secretary George M. Humphrey and Treasurer Ivy Baker Priest. The addition of a Star symbol at the end of the serial number marks this note as a replacement issue—printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to replace a defective sheet removed during quality control. Because Star Notes were printed in much smaller quantities than standard issues, they are significantly scarcer and highly desirable to collectors. In Fine (F) condition, this example displays clear evidence of honest circulation while retaining strong design features, full legibility, and the enduring charm of genuine mid-century U.S. paper money.

The 1950 series $10 Federal Reserve Notes were issued at a time when the United States was entering a new economic era. Following the prosperity of the post–World War II years, the nation experienced steady growth, consumer expansion, and increasing global influence. During this period, the BEP refined its production processes, emphasizing consistency and accuracy. The 1950B issue was printed between 1953 and 1957 and was distinguished from earlier subseries by its signature combination—Priest and Humphrey—and minor typographic and plate alignment adjustments. Although the design remained essentially unchanged from its 1929 origins, the 1950 series represented a matured form of that design, produced with modernized engraving methods and printing technology. The notes were used extensively in commerce, making higher denominations such as the $10 heavily circulated and thus more difficult to find today in well-preserved condition, especially as Star Notes.

The obverse of the 1950B $10 Federal Reserve Note features a dignified portrait of Alexander Hamilton, engraved in intricate intaglio detail and framed by an ornate border of scrollwork and guilloche patterns. Hamilton, the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury, was chosen to symbolize fiscal prudence and the strength of the American financial system. Above his portrait appears the inscription “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE,” while below it the denomination “TEN DOLLARS” is prominently printed. To the left of Hamilton’s image is the black Federal Reserve District Seal, inscribed with the name of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank—for example, “Federal Reserve Bank of New York” with the identifying letter “B.” To the right of the portrait sits the green Treasury Seal, accompanied by green serial numbers printed twice on the obverse. The final character of each serial number is the distinctive Star symbol, signifying that the note was printed as a replacement issue. Despite moderate circulation wear, the design details on this Fine-graded note remain well-defined and appealing, with both seals and serials fully legible.

The reverse design displays a finely engraved image of the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., one of the most recognizable vignettes in American currency history. The building’s neoclassical architecture—with its stately columns, sweeping steps, and tree-lined approach—is executed with remarkable precision, reflecting the Bureau’s mastery of line engraving. The inscriptions “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN DOLLARS” appear boldly above and below the vignette, while large “10” numerals occupy each corner for quick denomination recognition. The reverse is printed in deep, uniform green ink, a hue that not only enhanced durability but also gave rise to the enduring term “greenback.” Even in Fine condition, the engraving retains depth and clarity, with Hamilton’s Treasury Building clearly visible and the overall composition balanced and harmonious. The reverse’s simplicity and symmetry embody the restrained elegance characteristic of U.S. currency throughout much of the 20th century.

The 1950B series was printed on the Bureau’s traditional high-quality cotton-linen paper stock, embedded with red and blue security fibers for added protection against counterfeiting. The intaglio printing process, which used high pressure to press ink into the paper, gave genuine notes their distinctive texture and raised print—a tactile feature still appreciated by collectors today. The facsimile signatures of Treasurer Ivy Baker Priest and Secretary George M. Humphrey appear below the portrait, printed in black ink. Priest, appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was the first woman to serve as Treasurer under a Republican administration, while Humphrey, a respected industrialist, helped guide postwar fiscal policy during a time of global economic adjustment. Their signatures link the note to an era of confidence, growth, and modernization in American finance.

Star Notes like this example were produced to replace misprinted or damaged sheets identified during the BEP’s quality inspections. Because serial numbers on U.S. currency must be unique, defective notes could not be reprinted using the same numbers. Instead, the BEP printed replacement sheets with unique serial sequences ending in a Star symbol (*), allowing them to be inserted into standard production runs without disrupting numbering continuity. These Star Notes were printed in much smaller quantities, and their distribution varied widely by district, resulting in significant differences in rarity between Federal Reserve Banks. Collectors today prize them for both their scarcity and their role as tangible symbols of the meticulous quality control practices that define the BEP’s production standards.

In Fine (F) condition, this 1950B $10 Star Note displays moderate but even wear consistent with extended circulation. The paper remains intact and retains good flexibility, though it shows visible folds, handling marks, and mild soiling. Corners are rounded from use, and minor edge fraying may be present, but the note is free of major tears, repairs, or stains that would detract from its integrity. The portrait of Hamilton remains clearly visible, with strong linework around the eyes, hair, and collar. The Treasury and Federal Reserve Seals retain their color and sharpness, while the serial numbers, including the terminal star, are fully legible. The reverse design, though softly worn, retains sufficient detail in the Treasury Building engraving and balanced contrast between the ink and paper. The overall presentation is that of a note that circulated widely yet survived in collectible and historically valuable form.

The 1950B series circulated during one of the most prosperous and transformative decades in U.S. history. The postwar economy was booming, suburban development was accelerating, and consumer spending was reshaping American life. Currency such as this $10 note passed through countless transactions that fueled economic growth—from business exchanges to family purchases. The denomination’s value was significant in the 1950s, equivalent to over $115 today, ensuring frequent use and resulting wear. Consequently, few examples survived in collectible condition, and Star Notes in particular are scarcer due to their limited production. For collectors, such notes offer not only numismatic interest but also a tangible connection to mid-century America’s optimism and industrial power.

Collectors of small-size U.S. paper money regard the 1950B $10 Star Note as both a historical and aesthetic treasure. It belongs to the final generation of traditional designs before the introduction of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on small-size notes, which began with the 1963 series. The clean lines, balanced composition, and refined engraving represent the culmination of decades of design evolution. Star Notes from this period, especially from major financial districts like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, remain accessible yet increasingly valued as time progresses. Their combination of rarity, design excellence, and historical importance makes them cornerstone pieces for those building comprehensive collections of Federal Reserve currency.

In conclusion, the 1950B $10 Star Federal Reserve Note in Fine condition stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, reliability, and history of mid-20th-century American currency. Its portrait of Alexander Hamilton, detailed depiction of the U.S. Treasury Building, and distinctive Star serial number embody the artistry and precision that characterized the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s finest work. While showing the honest wear of circulation, the note remains structurally sound, fully legible, and rich in historical resonance. For collectors, it represents an authentic artifact from the Eisenhower era—a period when the United States emerged as a global economic leader—and a compelling link to the enduring legacy of American paper money.