First National Bank of Artesia, California
large size $5, red seal
This specimen was lot 20278 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $4,800. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Serial Number 1 Artesia Red Seal, Artesia, CA - $5 1902 Red Seal Fr. 588 The First NB Ch. # (P)8063 PCGS Very Fine 25. A lovely serial number 1 Red Seal which is one of a pair known from this rare Los Angeles County bank. The Colver example, which was somewhat higher grade, realized $15,400 when we sold it back in 1999, while this piece fetched $7,050 in its last auction appearance in 2016. Expect a similar figure to be reached tonight for this attractive, well inked note before the bidding ends."
large size $5, plain back
This specimen was lot 17597 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $747.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Artesia, CA - $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 599. The First NB Ch. # 8063, Although a couple of serial number one Red Seals have been offered from this Los Angeles County bank in recent years, the census shows only eight large examples, two of which are in Lowell's collection. This is the lesser grade specimen. Very Good, with a bit of staining, mostly on the reverse. From I. Nelson Clark in 1995."
large size $10
This specimen was lot 4041 in Stack's Bowers Americana Sale (New York, January 2011), where it sold for $1,380. The catalog description[1] noted, "California, Artesia. The First National Bank of Artesia. Ch.8063. $10. Fr.625. W.1421. 1902 Plain Back. No.4129. Plate E. Very Good, Repaired. A very rare Los Angeles County location that issued less than $500,000 in notes. Today just 13 notes are reported in the Census, including this one which is the lone example of the type. The note has had some supportive restoration done along the creases and edges but it was accomplished with skill and is not at all distracting. Well centered with both signatures visible." This note was previously lot 17598 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $1,380.
large size $20
This specimen was lot 18414 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $2,185. The catalog description[1] noted, "Artesia, CA - $20 1902 Date Back Fr. 643 The First NB Ch. # (P)8063. This was the only Date Back in the census in 1990, and it's still the only Date Back in the census in 2004. Pen signed Fine-Very Fine, ex-Krakover and Superior 1991."
small size $5
This specimen was lot 17599 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $2,990. The catalog description[1] noted, "Artesia, CA - $5 1929 Ty. 1 The First NB Ch. # 8063, An excessively rare note which is the sole Series 1929 example from here ever available to the collecting public. It turned up in a 2003 auction where Lowell was fortunate enough to outbid his competition and obtain the note. Fine, with a bit of light staining and a few carefully repaired splits. Ex-Lyn Knight's April, 2003 sale, lot 1555."
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