Stockton, CA. $10 1882 Date Back. Fr. 545. First NB. Charter #2412. PMG VF-20.

🇺🇸 Stockton, California $10 National Bank Note | 1882 Date Back | Fr. 545 | First National Bank | Charter #2412 | PMG Very Fine 20

The 1882 $10 National Bank Note from Stockton, California, issued by the First National Bank of Stockton under Charter #2412, is a highly collectible and historically significant example of Large Size U.S. National Currency. Cataloged as Friedberg 545 (Date Back) and certified PMG Very Fine 20, this note represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire an authentic Western-issued National Bank Note tied directly to California’s post–Gold Rush economic development.

 

Out of the 48 notes recorded on this San Joaquin County institution by the National Bank Note Census, this specimen is one of only three Series of 1882 Date Backs recorded here by the National Bank Note Census. Evidence of even circulation can be easily observed and fails to detract in any meaningful way from this note, which can trace its auction history back to 1990 as part of the Phillip Krakover collection, while the penned signatures applied by Cashier F.A. Cramblitt and President John Henry Hough speak to the original qualities retained by this note despite circulation. Very rare and indeed an opportunity to consider,r should you wish to assemble a collection of California Nationals on par with the likes of past luminaries in the vein of Krakover, Horwedel, and Agnew.

National Bank Notes are among the most engaging categories in U.S. paper money collecting, as they combine federal currency design with identifiable local banking history. Notes from California towns, particularly large-sized issues, are especially sought after due to lower survival rates and strong regional demand.

---

Key Note Specifications

• City: Stockton, California
• Denomination: $10
• Series: 1882
• Type: Date Back National Bank Note
• Friedberg Number: Fr. 545
• Issuing Bank: First National Bank of Stockton
• Charter Number: 2412
• Grading Service: PMG
• Grade: Very Fine 20
• Size: Large Size U.S. Currency

---

🏦 First National Bank of Stockton – Charter #2412

The First National Bank of Stockton played a vital role in the financial life of San Joaquin County during the late 19th century. Stockton was a major agricultural, transportation, and commercial hub in California, benefiting from river access and rail connections that supported farming, trade, and regional growth.

National Bank Notes issued by local banks like this one were authorized under the National Banking Acts and prominently display the bank’s name and charter number, making each note uniquely tied to a specific institution and community. Charter #2412 identifies this note as part of a finite and well-documented issuance, adding significant appeal for:

• California state collectors
• West Coast National Bank Note specialists
• Charter number and hometown collectors

---

📜 1882 Date Back Nationals – A Classic Large Size Type

The 1882 Date Back National Bank Notes are among the most popular large-size Nationals due to their classic design and clear identification of the issuing bank. These notes feature:

• The issue date is printed prominently on the back
• The bank’s title and charter number are clearly displayed
• A balanced and ornate large-scale layout

The $10 denomination was heavily used in commerce, particularly in economically active regions like California. As a result, many notes were worn, redeemed, and destroyed, making surviving examples increasingly scarce.

---

💎 PMG Very Fine 20 – Honest Circulation & Strong Eye Appeal

A grade of PMG VF 20 reflects a note that saw genuine circulation while remaining solid, attractive, and well-preserved for its age. This grade indicates:

• Clear, readable text and signatures
• Even wear consistent with 19th-century use
• No major tears, restorations, or structural damage
• Strong overall integrity and collectibility

For an 1882 large-size California National, Very Fine examples are desirable and often preferred by collectors seeking originality and historical character.

---

🎨 Design & Visual Presence

The 1882 $10 Date Back National Bank Note features:

• A bold central portrait consistent with classic U.S. currency design
• Ornate borders and detailed engraving
• Strong contrast between printed elements

The large-size format (significantly larger than modern currency) gives this note impressive visual impact and display presence, making it a centerpiece addition to any National Bank Note collection.

---

📈 Collector Demand & Investment Appeal

Why California Nationals Are Highly Sought After

• Western-issued Nationals have lower survival rates
• Strong regional and state-level collector demand
• Historically important ties to frontier and post–Gold Rush commerce

Why This Note Stands Out

• Desirable $10 denomination
• Early 1882 Date Back issue
• Clearly identifiable bank and charter
• PMG third-party certification

National Bank Notes are a finite and closed collecting category, with no discoveries possible. As advanced collectors continue to build charter sets and state collections, demand remains strong.

---

🏛️ A Tangible Piece of California Banking History

This Stockton, California, $10 National Bank Note is more than currency—it is a tangible artifact from a formative era in California’s economic development. Notes like this circulated through the hands of farmers, merchants, and laborers during a time when Stockton was emerging as a key commercial center of the Central Valley.

Owning this note means preserving:

• A direct link to a historic California community
• An authentic piece of 19th-century American banking
• A classic example of large-sized National Currency

---

🔒 Conclusion

The Stockton, CA $10 1882 Date Back National Bank Note (Fr. 545) from the First National Bank, Charter #2412, graded PMG Very Fine 20, represents a historically important and highly collectible piece of U.S. paper money. Its Western origin, desirable denomination, and solid certified condition make it an excellent choice for collectors of California currency, National Bank Notes, and large-size U.S. paper money.

As surviving examples continue to be absorbed into long-term collections, opportunities to acquire certified California Nationals of this quality are becoming increasingly limited.