r/Nationalbanknotes

Here's a recent acquisition I made from another
Wisconsin collector.

The city of Oconto is home to Copper Culture State Park, marking one of the oldest known human burial grounds and archaic metalworking sites in North America, dating back to roughly 6,000 BC.

From 1820 to 1830, the Astor Fur Trading Company operated a post in Oconto. The lumbering industry made its start a decade later in 1842 with the construction of a mill and dam.

Oconto takes its name from its chief river, which is derived from the Menominee Indian word for black bass.

Two banks issued small size currency in Oconto: The Oconto National Bank (#3541) and The Citizens National Bank of Oconto (#5521).

The Oconto NB went into receivership in August 1931, which could be one explanation as to why there are slightly fewer reported survivors compared to the Citizen NB of Oconto.

Since the issuing bank used this title between Dec. 31, 1931, and Oct. 7, 1932, we can assume that this note was issued in 1932. On Oct. 8 of that year, the bank changed its title to First National Bank Detroit, but collapsed in Feb–Mar 1933. It was the largest bank failure in the US during the Great Depression and eventually led to the nationwide bank holiday immediately after FDR's inauguration.

The notes were still good since they were guaranteed by the Treasury, and the bonds deposited as collateral usually traded above par.

The City of Kaukauna is located in Outagamie County, east of Appleton. It was at this location that canoe travelers along the Fox River once had to portage to avoid the turbulent rapids. The rapids have since been quelled by the locks, which were constructed around 1889.
 
The name of Kaukauna is derived from the Ojibwa word Okakaning, which was used by the local Native American tribes to describe the abundant pike that were found in the rapids. While the essential meaning of the name Kaukauna is agreed upon, It’s thought that the word may also be derived from the Menominee word ogaq’kane, meaning “the place of pike”.
 
The First National Bank of Kaukauna (Charter #3641) was organized in January 1887. Julius Martens served as president when the bank closed its doors during a severe wave of bank runs in December 1931. As a result, the bank was liquidated and absorbed by the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Kaukauna.
 
Owning an example from the First NB of Kaukauna has been a longstanding goal of mine. That’s because my wife’s 2nd Great Grandfather, John Schmidt Sr., served as president of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Kaukauna when it absorbed the First NB of Kaukauna. This note is a reflection of my passion for genealogy and love for U.S. currency.

I’ve been picking up decent quality counterfeits lately as I find the art of counterfeiting quite impressive. Almost like a puzzle or a hidden picture image. For me there was one dead giveaway, but only because currency is my hobby. But would have probably flown over the head of the average spender.

Guesses?

I inherited a bunch of coins and some bills. I didn't know these bank notes were a thing. Is this one collectible, or should I just take it to a coin shop and see if they'll give me a few bucks for it? Kind of cool that it's from the city really close to me, but otherwise I know nothing about it.