First National Bank of Ontario, California
large size $10, red seal
This specimen was lot 20333 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $5,466. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Newly Reported Serial Number 2 Ontario Red Seal. Ontario, CA - $10 1902 Red Seal Fr. 613 The First NB Ch. # (P)6268 PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45 EPQ. This serial number 2 note is just the fourth Red Seal to be reported from this San Bernardino County bank. The other three known Red Seals are two number 1 notes, one low grade which we sold six years ago for $7,050 and one high grade which has been ensconced in a major California holding for decades, and another number 2 note which we sold for $6,900 in our 2011 Long Beach auction. Expect this attractive, well margined, and pen signed beauty to realize in the same range as its counterparts. Also included with the lot is a nice period postcard of the bank building. From the Norris Turner Collection."
large size $10, plain back
This specimen was lot 17950 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $1,092.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ontario, CA - $10 1902 Plain Back Fr. 624 The First NB Ch. # (P)6268. A nice large example which bears the 1902 plate date. Pen signed Fine-Very Fine."
large size $20
The first specimen was lot 21210 in Stack's Bowers Winter 2022 Auction - Session 14 - Internet Only - U.S. Currency (Costa Mesa, CA, July 2023), where it sold for $384. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ontario, California. $20 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 661. The First NB. Charter #6268. PMG Choice Fine 15. An evenly circulated example of this San Bernardino County institution bearing a 1922 plate date. Officer's signatures of Knox and Swan remain legible."
The second specimen was lot 20201 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it sold for $810. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ontario, California. $20 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 661. First NB. Charter #6268. PMG Choice Extremely Fine 45 EPQ. Issued by a Southern California charter which first opened its doors in 1902, this institution would remain in business through 1995 when it failed, but not before leaving a numismatic legacy attested to by 59 notes recorded by the National Bank Note Census. Among a small run of survivors from the A plate position, this note offers itself quite well with the eye appeal to match a moderately circulated piece. The signatures have since almost faded away on account of the ink used, but were undoubtedly those of Cashier Geo. N. Knox and President O. Arnold who served together from 1924 to 1935 based on the serial number format which came into being in 1925. Little more than a trifling matter if you're looking for a note from this tightly held charter or if you're an Ontario native looking to represent their hometown. Noted for "Exceptional Paper Quality" by PMG. From the Eric Agnew Collection." This note was previously lot 17951 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $1,725.
small size $5, type I
This specimen was lot 17953 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $230. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ontario, CA - $5 1929 Ty. 1 The First NB Ch. # 6268, A well circulated small example with a sprinkling of pinholes included at no extra charge. Very Good."
small size $5, type II
This specimen was lot 17954 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $431.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ontario, CA - $5 1929 Ty. 2 The First NB Ch. # 6268. One of just two Type 2 fives listed in the census, and one of just four Type 2 notes of all denominations reported from here. Pleasing Fine."
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