First National Bank of Bellflower, California
large size $5
This specimen was lot 17617 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $5,750. The catalog description[1] noted, "Bellflower, CA - $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 609 The First NB Ch. # (P)12328, A just plain rare Los Angeles County location which, despite having two issuing banks, is very seldom available. The somewhat lower grade example we sold as part of the California estate collection realized $3000 in May of 2003. This lovely note, part of Lowell's collection for many years, sports two color pen signatures, including that of F.E. Woodruff, the original developer of Bellflower. Extremely Fine."
small size $5, type I
This specimen was lot 6354 in Stack's Bowers August 2020 Auction - Session 6 - Internet Only - U.S. Currency (Costa Mesa, CA, August 2020), where it sold for $780. The catalog description[1] noted, "Bellflower, California. $5 1929 Ty. 1. Fr. 1800-1. The First NB. Charter #12328. PMG Very Fine 25 EPQ. A scarce Southern California rarity, as this newly discovered note represents just one of six small for the bank. Completely original paper surfaces attest to PMG's EPQ designation. This is the first of any large or small that we have ever offered."
small size $5, type II
This specimen was lot 20155 in Stack's Bowers September 2023 Around the Globe Internet Only Auction - World Paper Money (Chicago, September 2023), where it sold for $3,120. The catalog description[1] noted, "Bellflower, California. $5 1929 Ty. 2. Fr. 1800-2. The First NB. Charter #12328. PMG Choice About Uncirculated 58 EPQ. The First National Bank of Bellflower was organized on January 6th, 1923 and issued a meager $128,690 in currency (the bank only issued Plain Back $5's, Ty. 1 $5's and Ty. 2 $5's). Track and Price reports that just five small size notes are reported to exist from this bank, and this note will be a new addition to the current census. Previously, just one Type 2 was reported to exist from the bank, and this will be the second note to come forth from the issuer for the type. This Choice About Uncirculated note boasts pleasing original and bright paper, along with wide margins. The inks are excellent and the embossing is readily noticed through the third party holder."
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