Citizens National Bank of Rialto, California
large size $5
This specimen was lot 20358 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $12,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Rare Citizens NB of Rialto Large Size - One of Two Known. Rialto, CA - $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 607 The Citizens NB Ch. # 11867 PMG Choice Very Fine 35. From Rialto's second, and considerably rarer, second issuer, this is an incredible California National that was once a highlight of the Colver collection that we sold in 1999. At that time, this piece was unique for the bank and realized $8,250 on a $3,500-$6,500 estimate. In the intervening twenty years, another large size note has surfaced, albeit in lower grade, and just last year, a serial number 1 small size was made available to the collecting fraternity and it reportedly fetched $29,375 at auction. With just $850 in large outstanding in 1931 when this bank closed, it is not likely that many more survivors are going to turn up. This is another great opportunity for today's generation of collectors to acquire a truly rare California charter. From the Norris Turner Collection."
small size $10
This specimen was lot 20359 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $6,600. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Second Reported Small Size, Rialto, CA - $10 1929 Ty. 1 The Citizens NB Ch. # 11867 PMG Very Fine 25. A great new discovery from this excessively rare San Bernardino County bank that is just the second 1929 Series example to surface from here. Representing the second, and considerably rarer, of Rialto's two issuers, it comes from a bank that was only in business from 1920 until 1931. Prior to this evening, this charter was represented by just two large notes, neither of which has crossed the public auction block since 2001, and a solitary small size, a serial number 1 note that sold at auction last year for $29,375. This piece we offer tonight presents a more affordable, albeit still not cheap, option for the many collectors of the Golden State who have seeking a note from this tough charter. It is a pleasing mid-grade specimen that exhibits just even wear. If rarity and desirability are any guide, it should realize in the range of.... From the Norris Turner Collection."
Link to:
- return to National Bank Notes of San Bernardino County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number