Collecting National Bank Notes

Still need a gift idea this holiday season? National Bank Notes are always popular among US currency collectors. Most National Bank Note collectors hunt for issues from their hometown. Others look for interesting town names such as Sour Lake, Texas and Freedom, Pennsylvania. In the spirit of the season, this month, we take a look at a National Bank Note with a Yuletide theme.

While there are many types of holiday décor, evergreen conifers such as spruce, pine, fir, and even artificial trees of similar appearance, are a staple for families gathering together and enjoying traditions. For thousands of years, evergreen trees have been used to brighten spirits during the winter months.

Located approximately forty minutes north of the Florida border, Evergreen, Alabama has coined itself “The Emerald City” according to local government. In 1885, this town gained national attention as an epicenter for the decorative greenery industry. “Evergreen Decorates America” became the city motto, as even the White House received shipments for the first-term inauguration of President Grover Cleveland.

1902 $10, The First National Bank of Evergreen, Alabama PMG graded Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions. Click image to enlarge.

The First National Bank of Evergreen was chartered in 1905. According to National Bank Notes (Don Kelly), finding a National Bank Note from this town will be a challenge, despite the fact that it issued $389,000 in bank notes during its 26-year lifespan.

While small size issues are still uncertain, data shows a total of 251 $10 and 22 $20 of the Series 1929 Type 1 that were printed. Keep an eye out for this charter. The First National Bank of Evergreen was the only chartered bank to issue the now obsolete national currency during that era in banking.

1902 $10-$20 Uncut Sheet, The First National Bank of Evergreen, Alabama - Serial Number 1 PMG graded About Uncirculated 55 Serial number 1 sheets were often retained as keepsakes by banking officers.