First National Bank of El Monte, California
large size $10
This specimen was lot 10317 in Stack's Bowers November 2019 Baltimore - Session 5 - U.S. Currency (Baltimore, November 2019), where it sold for $3,840. The catalog description[1] noted, "El Monte, California. $10 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 624. The First NB. Charter #6993. PMG Very Fine 20. One of Los Angeles County's scarcest banks, with just four large size examples known according to Track & Price. Only two of those notes have ever sold at public auction. This note sold once in 2004 for $3,680 and most recently in 2018 for $4,320. The note grades a pleasing Very Fine. A must have for California collectors."
large size $20
This specimen was lot 20573 in Stack's Bowers Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, August 2022), where it sold for $3,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "El Monte, California. $20 1902 Plain Back. Fr. 650. The First NB. Charter #6993. PMG Very Fine 30 EPQ. One of Los Angeles County's scarcest banks, with just four large size examples known according to Track & Price. We recently sold a $10 Plain Back in a PCGS VF 20 grade for $3,840 in 2019, and this $20 should easily eclipse that number. A $20 Plain Back has yet to make an auction appearance, and is a must have for California collectors. The paper is bright with purple stamped signatures retaining excellent appeal. This note also appears to be the only large size note from the bank to have earned the EPQ qualifier from a grading service. This example is a new addition to the current census, and is sure to be well received by the collecting community tonight."
small size $10
This specimen was lot 10319 in Stack's Bowers November 2019 Baltimore - Session 5 - U.S. Currency (Baltimore, November 2019), where it sold for $432. The catalog description[1] noted, "El Monte, California. $10 1929 Ty. 1. Fr. 1801-1. The First NB. Charter #6993. PMG Choice Very Fine 35. A pleasing Very Fine example from this highly desirable Los Angeles County location. Just 15 small size examples are known according to Track & Price, with this example being the finest to ever have crossed the auction block."
small size $20
This specimen was lot 10406 in Stack's Bowers March 2020 Auction - Session 11 - U.S. Currency (Costa Mesa, CA, March 2020), where it sold for $432. The catalog description[1] noted, "El Monte, California. $20 1929 Ty. 1. Fr. 1802-1. The First NB. Charter #6993. PMG Very Fine 25. A average circulated but solid note form this popular Los Angeles county bank. Just 15 examples are known, and this is the first we have ever offered."