🇺🇸 DBR 1875 $10 National Bank Note – Geneva, New York | Charter #949 | Serial #395 | PCGS Very Good 6 | Rare Large-Size National Currency

This exceptional 1875 $10 National Bank Note from Geneva, New York (Charter 949) is a highly desirable survivor from the golden age of American banking. Issued under the National Banking Act, this note represents one of the most historically significant forms of U.S. paper money. Certified PCGS Very Good 6 and bearing the remarkably low Serial Number 395, this is a rare District Bank Redemption (DBR) era note with outstanding collector and investment appeal.

Key Specifications

• Denomination: $10

• Series: 1875

• Type: National Bank Note (District Bank Redemption – DBR)

• Charter Number: 949

• Issuing Bank: Geneva National Bank, Geneva, New York

• Serial Number: 395 (Very low)

• Grading Service: PCGS Banknote

• Grade: Very Good 6

• Size: Large Size (7.375 x 3.125 inches)

• Catalog Reference: Friedberg National Bank Note issue

• Rarity: Scarce Charter – Few survivors known

🏦 Historical Importance of 1875 $10 National Bank Notes

National Bank Notes were issued between 1863 and 1935 by privately owned banks chartered by the U.S. Treasury. Each note displays the name and location of the issuing bank, making every example a localized historical artifact tied directly to an American city and institution.

The 1875 series belongs to the DBR (District Bank Redemption) era, when notes were redeemable through regional Treasury redemption offices. These notes predate modern Federal Reserve currency and represent a transitional stage in the evolution of the American monetary system.

📍 Geneva, New York – Charter #949

The Geneva National Bank operated in Ontario County, New York, serving as a financial anchor for the Finger Lakes region during the post-Civil War industrial expansion. Notes from this charter are very difficult to locate, especially in collectible condition, and most known examples reside in private collections.

The survival of this note—over 145 years after issue—makes it a powerful piece of American financial history.

🔢 Low Serial Number – Serial #395

A serial number under 1,000 is highly sought after in the National Currency market. Serial #395 places this note among the earliest printings from this bank, dramatically increasing its desirability. Low-serial Nationals are far scarcer than standard issues and command strong premiums among advanced collectors.

📊 PCGS Very Good 6 – Honest, Original Circulation

While the note shows circulation, a PCGS VG-6 grade indicates:

• Strong structural integrity

• Legible signatures and bank title

• Solid paper with no major pieces missing

• Original ink and authentic surfaces

Many National Bank Notes were destroyed, redeemed, or heavily worn. Finding one with clear bank identification and a low serial number is increasingly rare.

💰 Why This Note Is a Blue-Chip National Currency Investment

1. Charter Rarity

Collectors of National Bank Notes build collections by charter. Geneva, NY, Charter 949 is one of the hardest New York banks to acquire, especially ina large-scale format.

2. Low Serial Number

Serial numbers below 1,000 represent the earliest production runs and are prized by specialists.

3. 1875 DBR Series

The 1875 issue is one of the most collectible National series due to its:

• Old-style designs

• Limited survival rate

• Strong demand from both historians and investors

4. PCGS Certification

Third-party grading provides:

• Authenticity verification

• Market-recognized condition

• Easier resale and higher buyer confidence

🏛️ A True Piece of American Banking History

Unlike modern U.S. currency, this note was issued by a local New York bank, backed by U.S. government bonds, and circulating only within the national banking system. Every National Bank Note is effectively a financial document from a specific American town, making it far more historically personal than Federal Reserve Notes.

This Geneva, NY $10 connects directly to:

• Post-Civil War commerce

• Regional banking networks

• The development of America’s modern financial system

🏆 Conclusion

The 1875 $10 National Bank Note – Geneva, New York (Charter 949, Serial #395) is a rare and highly collectible example of early U.S. paper money. With a low serial number, PCGS certification, and scarce charter, this note stands out as a museum-grade artifact and long-term investment-quality collectible.

Serious National Bank Note collectors, New York specialists, and U.S. currency investors recognize notes like this as cornerstone pieces—and opportunities to acquire them are increasingly limited.