Consolidated National Bank of San Diego, California
This specimen was lot 20689 in Heritage auction 3567 (Long Beach, CA, September 2018), where it sold for $60,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Important and Unique Serial Number 1 San Diego $20 Brown Back, San Diego, CA - $20 1882 Brown Back Fr. 494 The Consolidated NB Ch. # 3056. A simply wonderful Serial Number 1 $20 Brown Back from San Diego whose attributes are quite numerous. First, it is the only reported note from this San Diego charter that was in business for just 10 years from 1883 until its failure in 1893. Second, it is one of only three number 1 $20 Brown Backs reported for the entire state of California. Third, it is as pretty as it rare with all the eye appeal that one could ask for from a Second Charter Brown Back with sharp ink colors and bold pen signatures.
With the assistance of a noted California paper money specialist, the comprehensive provenance of this wonderful note can be pieced together for the enlightenment of tonight's bidders. Originally signed by Oliver S. Witherby, the bank's president who also served as a local judge, the note passed also immediately into the hands of Isaac L. Leszynsky, a local resident who would hold the note for almost 40 years. Then, in 1923, in a ceremony that was published in the San Diego Union, Mr. Leszynsky transferred ownership of the note to Russell H. Gunnis of the First National Bank of San Diego. At some point in the 1930's, the note came into the possession of famed paper money collector Albert Grinnell and then it later appeared as Lot 1632 in Barney Bluestone's sale of the Grinnell collection in 1945 where it sold for the magnificent sum of $38.50. Subsequent owners would include well-known San Diego paper money dealer Harlan White. Finally, this California trophy note made its last auction appearance in February of 2000 where it realized $27,500 on a $10,000-$15,000 estimate and the note has been held by our consignor since that time. It is now once again available for one lucky bidder to add his name to this illustrious pedigree. Placing an estimate on what would be the highlight of anyone's collection is difficult but, considering that rarities of this caliber in other fields of collectibles easily reach into the six-figure area, this beautiful PMG Extremely Fine 40 artifact of California financial history has the potential."
Link to:
- return to National Bank Notes of San Diego County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number