First National Bank of Covina, California
large size $5
This specimen was lot 40242 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2015), where it sold for $10,575. The catalog description[1] noted, "Exceptional Covina 1882 Value Back, Covina, California. $5 1882. Fr. 574. The First NB. Charter #5830. PCGS Very Fine 30 PPQ. This important Los Angeles County offering will certainly grab the attention of California collectors as this 1882 Five Dollar Value back becomes just the third known Value Back and easily the finest of that trio. The total number of large known is pushed to 14 with this example and outside of a few known high grade Plain Backs and an uncut sheet of Brown Backs, this offering can be considered the finest large size available. Excellent original paper is seen throughout and wonderful penned banking signatures are noted. The last public appearance of a large size note from this charter was in 2004 where one of the other two Five Dollar value backs sold for $3,680 in a Very Good grade. This nearly Extremely Fine example should certainly bring a strong realization."
large size $10
This specimen was lot 30471 in Stack's Bowers Baltimore Auction (Baltimore, November 2015), where it sold for $7,637.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Rare Covina California 1882 Value Back, Covina, California. $10 1882 VB. Fr. 577. The First NB. Charter #5830. PCGS Very Fine 35. An exciting California offering on this Los Angeles County charter that easily becomes one of the finer known large-size available on the bank. The note has the initial appeal of an Extremely Fine note with just subtle circulation and bold signatures. Original embossing and paper are observed looking through the holder and it seems just an incredible subtle stain at the top border is all that prevented PCGS Currency from applying their "PPQ," designation. Large even borders further the desirability and the last Value Back of the now three known to sell was a Very Good example that brought $3,680 in a September 2014 public sale."
- return to National Bank Notes of Los Angeles County, California
- see National Bank Notes of California for a complete list by charter number