$50 1934 FRN Fr. 2102-G Chicago Early Small Head Fifty Grant "Gangster Money" Very Fine

$50 1934 Federal Reserve Note – Chicago
Fr. 2102-G • Early Small-Head Grant • Very Fine • “Gangster Money”

A classic 1934 Chicago $50 Federal Reserve Note, this Fr. 2102-G comes straight from the era when the city’s reputation for organized crime, political machine dealings, and underground commerce was at its peak. High-denomination notes like this would have quietly moved through bank backrooms, smoky clubs, hotel lobbies, gambling halls, and the businesses tied—directly or indirectly—to Chicago’s infamous criminal underworld.

While we’ll never know exactly whose hands it passed through, it’s easy to imagine a fifty like this circulating in a world shaped by the remnants of Capone’s Outfit, political fixers, and Depression-era power players. This note carries all the intrigue of that history.

Featuring the small-head Ulysses S. Grant portrait, bold green seal, and early Federal Reserve design, this $50 remains one of the most iconic mid-century layouts.

Grading Very Fine, it shows honest circulation while retaining strong detail, appealing paper, and bold overprints—an ideal, affordable example of an early-design Chicago fifty with character. As always, please study the provided images to determine if this note would be an ideal addition to your collection.