National Bank of Commerce of San Diego, California
This specimen was lot 20691 in Heritage auction 3567 (Long Beach, CA, September 2018), where it sold for $54,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Unique Serial Number 1 San Diego Red Seal. San Diego, CA - $10 1902 Red Seal Fr. 613 The NB of Commerce Ch. # (P)6869. Our parade of outstanding Serial Number 1 notes from this southern California city continues with this premier number 1 Red Seal from one of San Diego's most obscure charters. The NB of Commerce was only in business from 1903 until 1907 and issued only a handful of Red Seals before closing. To date, just one note has been reported from here and that piece is this pretty number 1 $10 Red Seal. Originally acquired by California collector Philip Krakover in a private transaction in the 1980's, the note made its lone public appearance in John Hickman's dispersal of the Krakover collection in 1990. Twenty-eight years ago, in what seems like "the prehistoric era", the specimen realized all of $3,200. Tonight, a new generation of collectors will finally get a chance to add this California rarity to their holdings. Facing up at a much higher level than its assigned grade of PMG Choice Very Fine 35, this pretty note has the potential to achieve a runaway price tonight and will always be a source of pride to one lucky bidder.."
Link to:
- return to National Bank Notes of San Diego County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number