The $50 gold certificate from 1922 looks very similar to the 1906 edition. 1922 is an important year for currency collectors as it marks the final issue of bigger gold certificates, and is also the last year in which George Washington appeared on the twenty dollar versions. If you happen to have a 1922 $50 Gold Certificate note which features a star symbol, you should consider yourself lucky as this can increase the value of the bill threefold.

Historical Facts Regarding This Currency

A common misconception regarding the 1922 gold certificates is that they are redeemable for gold coins, similar to the Saint Gaudens. While it is a fact that prior to 1933 some notes and coins were worth their equivalent in gold, this is not the case today. Currently $20 gold coins carry the price of about an ounce of gold, while the currency is worth its face value plus its numismatic appeal.

Star notes from 1922 were always rare when compared to normal issues. Serial numbers which are below 100 however do carry a premium, but in most cases the primary factor which determines the value of the 1922 $50 gold certificate is the condition of the note. There is a significant price difference between notes that are in circulated condition versus those which are in a pristine state.

The most ideal currency doesn’t have any folds, imperfections or bends of any kind. However, regarding the 1922 $50 note, there is a number of specific characteristics to be aware of. First, the areas of the bill which are black in color should be exceptionally oily and dark, while the orange and yellow colors should be vibrant. The embossing for the 1922 notes were of high quality and as such substantial paper waves should be present.

Currency Highlights

The paper used in the $50 1922 gold certificate is thick, and the most desirable bills are those which display few signs of aging. If you see anything on the note which resembles a fold, it likely is. A note which is in good condition can sell for hundreds of dollars, while a single note in pristine condition can sale for well over $1,000, or about the price of a single ounce of gold.

The value of the 1922 gold certificates has increased steadily over the last two years as more investors have become aware of its rarity. The margins near the top and bottom tend to be narrow, which means grades higher than 65 will be rare, but extremely valuable when they’re found.

Overall, 1922 $50 notes which have a grade of between 40 and 58 will definitely appeal to the eyes. In this grade a couple of folds are acceptable, but no more than three, and there is room for slight imperfections. The majority of 1922 gold certificates will fall within this level of quality, and will range in price from $500 to $1000.