In the world of National Bank Note collecting few states attract attention on par with Florida. Due to the state’s long-standing association with numismatics (by way of shows like FUN and the presence of a large population of collectors), it is by far one of the most desirable.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is proud to have offered numerous Florida rarities over the years. From the wonderful Serial Number 1 Brownback $5 from Fernandina we sold in 2018 to an original bank strap of Type 2 $20s from the American National Bank of Pensacola sold in 2013, Florida Nationals have realized impressive prices.
Fierce competition and spirited bidding often await these Sunshine State rarities when they cross the block, while others are tightly held by their proud owners and unlikely to come on the market for decades.
Likely kept as a souvenir by a bank official in the early 1930s the note featured in our Spring 2024 Expo Auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors despite census data. As recorded by the National Bank Note Census a total of 12 Serial Number 1 notes have been recorded on this short-lived charter. Despite the theoretical availability of these notes, appearances at public auctions have been few and far between.
The last time Stack’s Bowers Galleries had the privilege of offering one was a solitary $10 offered almost 16 years ago as lot 4508 in the Rich Uhrich Collection. However, no $20s have been offered publicly in this millennium. In fact, the last recorded sale was over 30 years ago in March 1993 when we (Stack’s) sold one from the Herman Halpern Collection for the sum of $900.
Graded Uncirculated 62 by PMG, this example retains strong eye appeal despite a comment denoting a small piece of paper attached along the bottom margin on the reverse.
This lot is sure to attract attention when it crosses the auction block in our Spring 2024 Showcase Auction. For those seeking to assemble a first-rate collection of Florida National Bank Notes, a rare opportunity has presented itself and spirited bidding awaits those who seek to add this special note to their holdings. To include your paper money in our Spring 2024 Official Expo Auction call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.
