1929 $50 National Currency Note – Security First National Bank of Los Angeles, California | Charter #2491 | Rare Large-Denomination National Bank Note

This impressive 1929 $50 National Currency note was issued by the Security-First National Bank of Los Angeles, California, under Charter #2491, one of the most historically significant banking institutions in the western United States. High-denomination National Bank Notes such as this were produced in far smaller quantities than $5 or $10 notes, making surviving examples extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors and serious investors.

This note represents a powerful combination of American banking history, large-format currency design, and West Coast financial heritage, making it a standout collectible within the field of U.S. paper money.

Security First National Bank – A California Banking Giant

The Security First National Bank of Los Angeles was one of the most influential banks in California during the early 20th century. Established in the heart of a rapidly growing city, the bank financed real estate, film studios, oil companies, and industrial expansion throughout Southern California. By the 1920s, it had become a financial powerhouse on the West Coast.

Notes issued by this bank are especially desirable because:

• Los Angeles was a major financial hub

• West Coast National Bank Notes were printed in smaller numbers

• Collectors value regional and historically significant banks

This $50 note is a direct financial artifact from the era when Los Angeles was transforming into one of the world’s most important cities.

The 1929 National Currency Series

The 1929 series represents the final chapter of National Bank Notes, which were issued from 1863 to 1935. These notes were backed by U.S. government bonds but printed with the name and charter of the local issuing bank, making each one unique.

The 1929 redesign created smaller, more standardized notes, but they retained:

• The bank’s full name

• The charter number

• Local identity tied to the issuing institution

Once the Federal Reserve System fully replaced the National Banking system in the early 1930s, these notes ceased production, locking them permanently into history.

Why the $50 Denomination Is Especially Rare

Among all National Currency notes, $50 denominations are among the scarcest. Most banks issued far more $5, $10, and $20 notes, while $50 notes were reserved for:

• Large business transactions

• Bank-to-bank settlements

• Wealthy customers

As a result:

• Few were printed

• Even fewer were saved

• Most were redeemed and destroyed

Surviving $50 National Bank Notes from California banks are now elite-level collectibles, often appearing only in advanced private collections or major auctions.

Collector & Investment Appeal

This 1929 $50 Security First National Bank of Los Angeles note offers several high-value attributes:

1. Scarce Charter

Charter #2491 is a highly collected California bank, and large-denomination notes from it are especially rare.

2. High Denomination

$50 Nationals are far scarcer than $5, $10, or $20 notes and consistently command strong premiums.

3. West Coast Historical Importance

California National Bank Notes attract global collectors due to the state’s cultural, financial, and historical significance.

4. Long-Term Market Strength

High-denomination Nationals have shown consistent appreciation over time due to:

• Limited surviving population

• Strong demand from advanced collectors

• Increasing difficulty of replacing them once sold

A True Piece of American Financial History

This note is not merely currency—it is a document of early Los Angeles commerce and banking power. It was issued during a time when California was becoming a global economic force, and it circulated among businesses, investors, and banks, shaping the modern American economy.

Every National Bank Note carries the identity of its issuing institution, making this Security First National Bank $50 a tangible link to one of the most influential financial organizations in the history of Southern California.

Conclusion

The 1929 $50 National Currency Note from Security First National Bank of Los Angeles (Charter #2491) is a high-value, low-population, and historically rich U.S. banknote. Its large denomination, prestigious issuing bank, and final-era National Currency status make it a cornerstone piece for any serious U.S. paper money collection.

Opportunities to acquire a note of this caliber are minimal. This is an investment-grade collectible with lasting demand and deep historical significance.