First National Bank of Cucamonga, California
large size $10
This specimen was lot 20299 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $5,040. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Cucamonga, CA - $20 1929 Ty. 1 The First NB Ch. # 7152 PMG Very Fine 30. A rare note bearing one of the legendary California town names that collectors have sought for years. It is just the ninth small size to be reported and is a bright and crisp $20 with traces of original embossing. Also included with the lot is a cancelled check from the bank dated June 11, 1913. From the Norris Turner Collection (Total: 2 items)"
large size $20
This specimen was lot 20618 in Stack's Bowers Spring 2023 Auction - Session 7 - U.S. Currency (Costa Mesa, CA, March 2023), where it sold for $3,360. The catalog description[1] noted, "Elusive California Charter, Cucamonga, California. $20 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 650. The First NB. Charter #7152. PMG Very Fine 25. One of only three known 1902 Plain Back $20s from the FNB of Cucamonga, California, and tied with one other as the finest. This San Bernardino County Bank is quite tough, with only eight large size notes of any denomination known. The bank opened in 1904 and closed its doors 30 years later in 1934 with only $1,400 out in Large Size notes. It issued a total of $454,310 in 1902 Series Red Seals, Blue seals, and 1929 Type 1 and 2's only. The note is actually quite nice for the grade, with unsoiled off-white paper, superior centering and a rather flamboyant turquoise signature from the cashier. From our March 2017 Baltimore Sale where it realized $4,230."
small size $5
This specimen was lot 20350 in Heritage auction 3563 (Chicago, April 2018), where it sold for $1,500. The catalog description[1] noted, "Cucamonga, CA - $5 1929 Ty. 2 The First NB Ch. # 7152. A rare note bearing one of the legendary California town names that collectors have sought for years. It is one of only eight small size in the census and is an evenly circulated and solid. PCGS Fine 15."
small size $10
This specimen was lot 17678 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $2,645. The catalog description[1] noted, "Cucamonga, CA - $10 1929 Ty. 1 The First NB Ch. # 7152, Another rare note bearing one of the legendary California town names that collectors have sought for years. While five large and five small notes are recorded in the census from here, virtually that whole number have been unavailable to collectors as most all reside in long term holdings which have not seen the light of day for decades. Our records show only three offerings of any kind from here during the past sixty years, demonstrating just how infrequently notes from this one bank locale have actually been available to the collecting fraternity during that period. Very Good."
small size $20
This specimen was lot 20300 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Cucamonga, CA - $20 1929 Ty. 1 The First NB Ch. # 7152 PMG Very Fine 30. A rare note bearing one of the legendary California town names that collectors have sought for years. It is just the ninth small size to be reported and is a bright and crisp $20 with traces of original embossing. Also included with the lot is a cancelled check from the bank dated June 11, 1913. From the Norris Turner Collection (Total: 2 items)"
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