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The 1950C $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Choice Uncirculated 64 by PCGS is a premium-quality example of mid-20th century American currency, issued during a time of postwar economic strength and global monetary leadership by the United States. As part of the long-running 1950 series, the 1950C subseries features an updated combination of Treasury official signatures and represents one of the final issues before major design and security changes were implemented decades later. In the MS64 grade, this note remains fully uncirculated, with bold print detail and excellent eye appeal, falling just short of Gem Uncirculated due to a minor handling or centering imperfection that does not significantly detract from its visual impact.
The Series 1950C $100 note was issued with the signature pairing of Treasurer Kathryn O’Hay Granahan and Treasury Secretary C. Douglas Dillon. Their names anchor the note in the early 1960s, a time when the U.S. economy was booming and the dollar was firmly established as the global reserve currency under the Bretton Woods system. The note bears the legal tender clause: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private,” affirming its role as fiat money fully backed by the credit of the federal government. Though gold convertibility for the general public had ended in 1933, this clause remained a statement of value and legal force for commercial and private transactions alike.
The obverse of the note features a finely detailed engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Founding Fathers and a fitting symbol of innovation, diplomacy, and leadership. His likeness, facing right, is set in a classical oval and surrounded by finely detailed scrollwork and ornamental bordering. To Franklin’s left is the black Federal Reserve District seal, and to the right is the green U.S. Treasury seal. Serial numbers appear in green at the upper right and lower left. In MS64 condition, these design elements remain vibrant, well-centered, and deeply impressed, with full color saturation and minimal distractions under close inspection.
The reverse of the note depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the historic site where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were adopted. The building is rendered in traditional intaglio engraving, with architectural detail visible in the windows, columns, and trees. “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is inscribed above the vignette, while “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” anchors the lower margin. Large corner numerals frame the composition, and the overall symmetry of the reverse design reflects the values of order, structure, and tradition. The reverse in MS64 condition retains excellent sharpness, full ink integrity, and strong paper brightness.
PCGS’s designation of MS64 (Mint State 64) means that the note has never circulated and retains its original surfaces, but may exhibit slightly off-center margins or a light corner bump visible under magnification. It is a full-grade above About Uncirculated notes and offers most of the visual quality of a Gem Uncirculated example at a more accessible price point. The lack of a PPQ (Premium Paper Quality) designation means that while the note is fully original and uncirculated, it may show slightly less paper wave or embossing than required for PPQ status, though its overall appeal remains high for collectors and investors seeking near-top-tier quality.
The 1950C $100 Federal Reserve Note was printed for all twelve Federal Reserve Banks, and each note is identifiable by its black district seal and corresponding serial prefix letter. Some districts are more common than others in higher grades, and district-specific rarity can influence desirability among specialized collectors. However, in general, most 1950-series $100 notes were heavily used by banks, institutions, and large businesses, and relatively few were preserved in uncirculated condition—especially from earlier subseries like the 1950C. As such, any certified MS64 note from this series represents a premium survivor.
This note circulated during an era of global dominance for the U.S. dollar. With America at the helm of the postwar economic order, the $100 denomination was trusted and widely used in both domestic and international transactions. It served as a high-value store of purchasing power and a tool of institutional finance. Because of its utilitarian role, the $100 note was seldom saved by individuals in pristine condition, which makes well-preserved examples like this one all the more valuable for modern collectors.
The artistry and layout of the 1950C $100 note remain a defining example of U.S. currency design prior to the security redesigns of the 1990s and early 2000s. The strong lines, balanced proportions, and dignified portraits make it a visually compelling piece. Franklin’s calm, thoughtful demeanor and the iconic backdrop of Independence Hall provide a sense of continuity and legacy that has remained central to the identity of the $100 bill across generations.
For collectors, the 1950C $100 note in MS64 grade offers an excellent combination of condition, historical resonance, and investment potential. It is well-suited for inclusion in a type set, a high-grade 1950-series run, or a Federal Reserve district collection. While MS65 and higher examples may command premium prices, MS64-certified notes present nearly all the visual and preservation benefits at a more reasonable cost—especially when issued by less common districts or featuring sharp embossing and strong visual contrast.
The Certified 1950C $100 Federal Reserve Note graded MS64 by PCGS is a collector-grade piece of American monetary history. With its elegant design, bold engraving, and enduring symbolism, it captures the economic optimism and institutional strength of the early postwar period. Whether acquired for historical appreciation, collection completion, or numismatic investment, this note stands as a proud example of classic U.S. currency at a high level of preservation and aesthetic integrity.