First National Bank in South Pasadena, California
large size $5
The first specimen was lot 9550 in Stack's Bowers March 2021 Auction - Session 8 - Internet Only - U.S. Currency (Las Vegas, March 2021), where it sold for $576. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Pasadena, California. $5 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 609. The First NB. Charter #12797. PMG Choice Fine 15. Track and Price reports just 12 notes known to this Los Angeles County issuing bank, all being large size and the majority being 1902 $5's."
The second specimen was lot 18306 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $3,220. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Pasadena, CA - $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 609 First NB Ch. # 12797. A beautiful note which was part of a cut sheet we auctioned back in May of 1996. While this note is not new, it has a nicer appearance than do most of the notes graded as uncirculated, with flashy bright colors, stark white paper, and lovely pen signatures. Extremely Fine+++, a real peach of a note which is certain to delight its next owner as much as it did Lowell." This specimen was subsequently lot 20394 in Heritage auction 3563 (Chicago, April 2018), where it sold for $1,800.
large size $10
This specimen was lot 18307 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $1,868.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "South Pasadena, CA - $10 1902 Plain Back Fr. 635 First NB Ch. # 12797, A more than acceptable $10 Plain Back from this none too common Los Angeles County bank. Fine-Very Fine."
Link to:
- return to National Bank Notes of Los Angeles County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number