"The Surprising Reason Behind the Surge in $50 Bill Production Last Year"

The US government printed a record number of $50 bills last year, totaling 756,096,000, the highest in over 40 years. The increase in printing was not due to inflation but rather a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as people started hoarding cash and found it easier to store larger bills. The Federal Reserve experienced unprecedented demand for currency, leading to an uptick in $50 bill orders. The superstition surrounding the bill, confusion with other denominations, and some stores not accepting bills larger than $20 also contribute to its relative unpopularity. While the use of physical cash for daily purchases has decreased, cash holdings for American households remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic times.