Pleasanton, CA. $5 1902 Plain Back Fr. 601 First NB Charter #9897. PMG VF 20EPQ.

A rare note from the eastern edge of Alameda County. This note represents the likes of Pleasanton, which was once a small town that,t for the entirety of the National Banking era, was little more than a quiet hamlet like most spread across the American landscape before suburbanization took hold in the 1950s. Home to the First National Bank, which first opened its doors in 1910, this bank issued a respectable circulation, which has led to 40 surviving notes per the National Bank Note Census. However, such a figure is deceiving, as most of that population can be traced to a handful of sheets, while only four large-size notes are known against the total population, making this an incredible opportunity for collectors. Noted for “Exceptional Paper Quality” by PMG.

Large-size National Bank Notes from California towns, particularly lesser-issued locations like Pleasanton, are increasingly difficult to locate in problem-free condition. The addition of Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) further elevates this note, confirming original, unprocessed paper—an important factor for advanced collectors.

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Key Note Specifications

• City: Pleasanton, California
• Denomination: $5
• Series: 1902
• Type: Plain Back National Bank Note
• Friedberg Number: Fr. 601
• Issuing Bank: First National Bank of Pleasanton
• Charter Number: 9897
• Grading Service: PMG
• Grade: Very Fine 20
• Paper Quality: EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality)
• Size: Large Size U.S. Currency

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🏦 First National Bank of Pleasanton – Charter #9897

The First National Bank of Pleasanton served a growing agricultural and commercial community in Alameda County during the early 20th century. Pleasanton’s role as a regional farming and trade center made local banking institutions vital to everyday commerce, and National Bank Notes such as this were an essential part of that financial ecosystem.

Charter #9897 ties this note to a specific institution and location, a defining characteristic that makes National Bank Notes especially appealing. Collectors value this localized connection, particularly when the issuing town is:

• Smaller and less frequently encountered
• Located in a high-demand state like California
• Represented by relatively few surviving large-sized notes

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📜 1902 Plain Back Nationals – A Classic Large Size Type

The 1902 Plain Back National Bank Notes are among the most collected large-size Nationals due to their elegant design and clear bank identification. Unlike Date Back issues, Plain Backs feature a simpler reverse design, which many collectors prefer for its clean and balanced appearance.

Key characteristics include:

• Prominent display of the issuing bank’s name
• Charter number printed directly on the note
• Classic large-size format showcasing detailed engraving

The $5 denomination was the most widely used National Bank Note, resulting in extensive circulation. Consequently, surviving examples—especially from smaller towns—are increasingly scarce, particularly in certified, problem-free condition.

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💎 PMG Very Fine 20 EPQ – Original & Honest Preservation

A grade of PMG VF 20 indicates a note that saw genuine circulation but remains structurally sound and visually appealing. The EPQ designation is especially important, confirming the paper has not been cleaned, pressed, or chemically treated.

This grade reflects:

• Solid, original paper with natural texture
• Clear text, signatures, and bank details
• Even circulation wear without major defects
• No restoration, repairs, or artificial enhancement

For a large-size California National Bank Note, VF 20 EPQ is a highly respectable and desirable collector grade, balancing affordability with originality and historical integrity.

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🎨 Design & Visual Appeal

The 1902 $5 Plain Back National Bank Note features a dignified central portrait and finely engraved borders typical of the golden age of U.S. paper money. The large format enhances the visual impact, allowing the engraving detail to stand out far more than on modern small-size notes.

The combination of original paper quality and even circulation wear gives this note strong eye appeal and authenticity—qualities many seasoned collectors actively seek.

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📈 Collector Demand & Investment Considerations

Why California Nationals Are Strongly Collected

• California issues have lower survival rates
• Strong demand from state and regional collectors
• Historical ties to Western development and agriculture

Why This Note Is Especially Appealing

• Issued by a smaller California town
• Classic 1902 Plain Back design
• Certified by PMG with EPQ designation
• Finite supply tied to Charter #9897

National Bank Notes are a closed collecting category, meaning no additional examples will ever be discovered. As charter sets and California collections continue to be built, demand for notes like this remains steady and often competitive.

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🏛️ A Tangible Piece of Pleasanton & California History

This Pleasanton, California, $5 National Bank Note is more than just collectible currency—it is a tangible artifact from the early financial history of Alameda County. Notes like this circulated among farmers, merchants, and families during a period of steady growth and economic development in Northern California.

Owning this note preserves:

• A direct connection to a historic California community
• An authentic example of large-sized National Currency
• A piece of America’s localized banking past

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🔒 Conclusion on $5 1902 Plain Back Fr

The Pleasanton, CA $5 1902 Plain Back National Bank Note (Fr. 601) from the First National Bank, Charter #9897, graded PMG Very Fine 20 EPQ, represents a scarce and desirable example of California large-size National Currency. Its original paper quality, solid certified grade, and smaller-town issuance make it a compelling acquisition for collectors of National Bank Notes, California currency, and early 20th-century U.S. paper money.

As opportunities to obtain certified California Nationals with EPQ continue to narrow, this note stands as an excellent blend of history, originality, and long-term collector appeal.