u/raidenh8

Here is a neat addition that I recently acquired that represents the first small size fancy serial GA NBN in my collection. I have come across three or so large size GA radars over the years (one of which I own), but this is the first small that I have seen or heard of. Naturally, I purchased it for myself, and was excited to have cherry picked it for a no-brainer price. The host note itself is not too exciting, as it comes from Georgia's most prominent NBN issuer, with close to 500 small size reported in the NBNC. 

The signatures are those of Cashier Frank M. Berry (1871-1957) and President John King Ottley (1868-1945), who served together from 1929 to at least 1935. 

With the addition of this surprisingly elusive 1902 Series from CH# 5030, I have officially completed my Atlanta 1902 set!

CH# 5030, The Third National Bank of Atlanta, was the fifth of ten total issuing banks chartered in the state capital of Georgia. While 1882 Series Nationals appear rather frequently on this bank, 1902’s are the exact opposite. This is one of those unusual banks where 1882’s are far more available than their 1902 counterparts. Just to paint the picture, the last time that a 1902 from CH# 5030 crossed the auction block was over two decades ago in 2004! Hence why this sleeper note was a difficult example to obtain.

Here is a monster Georgia National that I was so fortunate enough to pick up recently! This is one of those notes that I did not think I would be able to acquire anytime soon, but lo and behold this wonderful 1882 $20 Date Back now has a place in my collection and checks many boxes for me.

Located in southwest Georgia alongside the Alabama state line, Fort Gaines acts as the seat of Clay County. Fort Gaines was founded in 1816, and the fort itself was created as protection against the Creeks. Fort Gaines was a one bank town and was also the sole issuer of Clay County. With only 7 (now 8) examples reported across both large and small size, crossing off Fort Gaines and Clay County from a GA collector’s checklist is an exceptionally difficult and expensive task. Naturally, with this being a "Fort" location, this bank appeals to collectors no matter what state they specialize in. The miniscule population combined with the fact that this bank has only three auction appearances in over three decades made me realize that it could be quite some time before I land an example. That search has now come to a satisfying end.

Out of the six large size examples currently reported in the NBNC, four of those are 02 Plain Backs, the other two being 1882 $10 Date Backs. As if obtaining this bank wasn’t already pleasing and challenging enough, to acquire an 1882 is a true cherry on top, even more so with this being the first reported 1882 $20!

CH# 6002, The First NB of Fort Gaines opened for business in 1901 and lasted until the bank’s closure in 1932. Although the cashier signature is lost to time, the blue stamped signature of President William Angus McAllister, Sr. (1859-1931) is still legible.

This is referred to as a Raised note! At some point in time, one sneaky individual “raised” this $1 Silver Certificate to a $5! Truly an unusual piece that makes you do a double take!

Here is a new addition that is an upgrade from my previous McDonough small size, with this also being the very first Type 2 $10 reported in the NBNC! CH# 7969, the First National Bank of McDonough, is one of only two banks located in Henry County, the other being the incredibly rare FNB of Hampton (2 notes known). This sole issuer in McDonough opened their doors for business in 1905 and stayed around until 1991. Less than two dozen small size notes are currently reported, though offerings are infrequent for this elusive bank. This note pairs nicely with my 1902 $10 PB that displays the same signature combination.

The signatures are those of Cashier Willie J. Greer (1891-1976) and President Thomas Adam Sloan Sr. (1865-1935), who served together from 1921 until Sloan’s death in 1935.

Let’s show some appreciation for the backs of some heavy hitter $1,000’s!🏆

Here is a lovely new addition from Sandersville that I am pleased to share!

Fresh from the weeds, this $10 Plain Back will be a new entrant to the NBNC, increasing the population to a little over a dozen reported. CH# 7934, The First National Bank of Sandersville, opened shop in 1905 and closed in early 1929, just before they could get around to issuing small size NBNs. The county seat of Washington County, Sandersville was surprisingly home to three issuing banks, all of which are rather elusive. I now have two of the three, with the incredibly rare Cohen NB being the last bank I need.

This bright example certainly has the look, and carries nice purple stamped signatures of Cashier Irwin W. Arnold (1898-1976) and President Lake Benjamin Holt (1869-1949), who served together from 1927 until the bank’s closure in 1929.

As I have mentioned before, I am an avid collector of currency-related images. Anytime that I turn up an image featuring Nationals, I consider that as an added bonus. Long and hard I have searched over the years for a seemingly impossible image to locate: a bank officer signing National Bank Notes.

That search has now concluded.

Based on what I have gathered, this is only the second known image of a bank officer signing Nationals, and the first where this is the primary focus of said image. This incredible Carte de visite depicting a Cashier signing National Bank Notes is undoubtedly now one of my favorite pieces in my collection. Last year, I exhibited my collection during the NBN Conference, and I look forward to having this piece displayed the next time I bring my collection out on exhibit.

And yes, the bank and bank officer have been identified!

Serial Number 1 Colorado Territorial Original Series $20, ‘nuff said! Off the market for over a decade, it last brought $150,000 at auction!

An incredible grade anomaly, this beauty last brought $228,000 at auction!