National Bank of Ventura, California
large size $5, date back
This specimen was lot 98169 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2025), where it sold for $780. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ventura, California. $5 1902 Date Back. Fr. 593. NB. Charter #9685. PMG Choice Very Fine 35 EPQ. A scarce and short-lived charter from Ventura County that lasted from 1910 to 1918. The National Bank Note Census records a total of 13 individual pieces for this institution that was absorbed by the Bank of Italy, later the Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association (Charter# 13044). This note is one of three $5 Date Backs recorded out of the aforementioned figure in the NBNC. From the Eric Agnew Collection Part V."
large size $5, plain back
This specimen was lot 13234 in Heritage auction 3502 (Long Beach, CA, September 2008), where it sold for $63,250. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Ventura, CA - $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 601 NB of Ventura Ch. # (P)9685. It is difficult to evaluate this scarce piece because, while it faces up quite nicely, the back of the note has been laminated, though no trace of the lamination is visible on the front. This is a tough bank from a community which is avidly collected, and one from which offerings have been few and far between, with the last coming when we sold the Horwedel collection example for $7475 back in 2004. It's our guess that the lamination on the back may well be removable, although after our last experience with a laminated note, we would be loath to warrant that possibility, but purchasers of this note are at their own risk here, as no returns will be accepted for this item under any circumstances. Very Fine, laminated"
large size $20
This specimen was lot 18354 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $7,475. The catalog description[1] noted, "Ventura, CA - $20 1902 Date Back Fr. 645 NB of Ventura Ch. # (P)9685. A beautiful example which is easily the finest note we know of from this avidly collected bank, which was in business for just eight years between 1910 and 1918. Choice About Uncirculated, with great color and signatures."
Link to:
- return to National Bank Notes of Ventura County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number