First National Bank of Colton, California
large size $5, red seal
This specimen was lot 20295 in Heritage auction 3574 (Long Beach, CA, September 2019), where it sold for $3,840. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Serial Number 1 Colton Red Seal, Colton, CA - $5 1902 Red Seal Fr. 589 The First NB Ch. # (P)3573 PMG Very Fine 25. An attractive serial number 1 Red Seal from this large size only San Bernardino County bank that liquidated in 1930 and a note that has been off the market since its last appearance in John Hickman's sale of the Philip Krakover collection in 1990. It is also the earliest note reported from this San Bernardino County charter as no Second Charter notes have ever surfaced from here. It is a pleasing mid-grade piece with just some folds and nice color for the grade. From the Norris Turner Collection."
large size $5, plain back
This specimen was lot 21352 in Stack's Bowers Spring 2022 Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, April 2022), where it sold for $432. The catalog description[1] noted, "Colton, California. $5 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 600. The First NB. Charter #3573. PMG Choice Fine 15. While moderately to heavily circulated, this remains a fairly scarce issue with only sixteen Large Size notes of all denominations and types appearing on the Census. No Small Size notes were printed from this bank. PMG comments 'Minor Repairs'."
large size $10, date back
This specimen was lot 20644 in Heritage auction 3567 (Long Beach, CA, September 2018), where it sold for $2,400. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Colton, CA - $10 1902 Date Back Fr. 618 The Colton NB Ch. # (P)8608. A very scarce Colton bank which issued large notes only, with this pleasing, mid-grade example one of only ten pieces in the census. It is making its first public appearance since our sale of the Lowell Horwedel collection in 2004. PMG Very Fine 20."
large size $10, plain back
This specimen was lot 17656 in Heritage auction 354 (the Horwedel sale, Long Beach, CA, September 2004), where it sold for $3,105. The catalog description[1] noted, "Colton, CA - $10 1902 Plain Back Fr. 626 The First NB Ch. # 3573, A most attractive example which is tied for the highest grade of any of the thirteen notes listed in the census. Bright Fine-Very 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