Hello to all the numismatists and history buffs out there! Today, I’m excited to share a truly remarkable discovery that has caught the attention of collectors and historians alike. It is a 1902 $20 Plain Back. Fr. 658 from The Tucson National Bank (Charter #11159) that has been graded Very Fine 25 by PMG and is featured as lot 20306 in our November U.S. Currency Showcase Auction.
For those unfamiliar, there were four issuing banks in Tucson Arizona. This particular charter operated between 1918 and 1923 and has been the subject of great interest for many, mainly due to the scarcity of its notes. Imagine the excitement when a new note from this bank was recently uncovered!
With this latest find, the count of known notes from this elusive bank has risen to three. Yes, just three in the entire world! The other two notes, a 1902 $10 and $20 plain back, are both graded ‘Fine.’
But the freshly discovered note? It’s in a league of its own at Very Fine 25. While the existing notes have their charm, this new addition offers a level of crispness that sets it apart; it stands as the crown jewel among the trio.
For those who have a penchant for collecting rarities or are particularly interested in Tucson’s banking history, here is a golden opportunity. Whether it’s the type of the note that appeals to you or its historical connection to the town, I urge you to give this one the attention it deserves. Opportunities like this are rare, and who knows when (or if) another such gem will come to light? This note will cross the block in our November 2023 Whitman Expo Auction on Friday November 17, 2023.
Happy Collecting!
