Description
An Extraordinary Piece of American Financial and Political History
This listing offers a rare and significant artifact from America's Gilded Age. It is a 1902 Series 100 Dollar National Currency Note, issued by the legendary Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chartered on June 13, 1902, under Charter Number 6301, this bank succeeded the earlier T. Mellon and Sons Bank and operated as a major financial institution during a transformative period in American history.
A Note of Monumental Rarity
For collectors of National Bank Notes, few designations carry as much weight as the 1902 Date Back. This note carries a distinction that places it among the most coveted of National Bank Notes. It is one of only four known examples of 100 Dollar recorded from this institution. The extreme scarcity of high-denomination notes from this era is well documented. One hundred dollar notes from the 1902 series are virtually unseen outside of the most advanced collections, making this note exceptionally rare and highly sought after by discerning collectors.
The Signature That Defines the Note
The autograph on this note is a defining feature that elevates its historical significance to an extraordinary level. It bears the hand-signed signature of Andrew W. Mellon, who served as the bank's president. Mellon was one of America's great financiers, with vast interests in coal, coke, iron, and aluminum, and was a principal figure in the banking industry.
His signature on this note is particularly poignant, as he would later become the United States Secretary of the Treasury, serving from 1921 to 1932 under presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. His tenure as Secretary of the Treasury is the longest in United States history.
Beyond his political career, Mellon was an extraordinary philanthropist. His personal art collection, valued at forty million dollars in 1937, formed the basis for the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., along with a ten million dollar gift for the construction of its west wing. His signature on this note connects it directly to a figure of immense historical and cultural importance.
The Bank and Its Storied History
The Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh was chartered on June 13, 1902, succeeding the earlier T. Mellon and Sons Bank. It was a major financial institution, issuing a significant volume of national currency. Records show that the bank issued large numbers of notes across all series, including 1902 Red Seals, Date Backs, and Plain Backs, as well as 1929 Type 1 and Type 2 notes. The bank's total note issuance was substantial, with the institution issuing more than thirteen million notes in total. It continues its legacy today as part of BNY Mellon, N.A., in Pittsburgh.
Design and Condition
The face of the note features a portrait of John J. Knox, a prominent Comptroller of the Currency, on the obverse, with prominent blue serial numbers and seal. The reverse displays an ornate green design with allegorical figures and the dates 1902 and 1908. This note exhibits typical wear consistent with its age and circulation, including creasing and discoloration. However, it retains good detail and legibility, with bold blue serial numbers and a vivid blue seal. There are no significant tears or repairs, preserving the integrity and historical value of this rare artifact.
Product Specifications
Denomination: 100 Dollars
Series: 1902
Type: National Currency Note
Bank: The Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh
Charter Number: 6301
Portrait: John J. Knox
Signatures: A.W. Mellon (Bank President) and others
Reverse: Ornate design with allegorical figures and dates 1902 and 1908
Condition: Circulated with creasing and discoloration consistent with age, good detail and legibility, no significant tears or repairs
Rarity: One of only four known examples of 100 Dollar Date Backs from this institution.
Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection
This is a unique survivor, one of only four known examples of its kind. It carries the historical significance of American banking and politics, signed by A.W. Mellon, the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. It represents a 100 Dollar high-denomination note from the iconic 1902 series, a prize that eludes even seasoned collectors. Its charter number and historical importance connect it to an institution that endures to this day as part of BNY Mellon. Most of all, it is a tangible connection to the worlds of high finance, politics, and philanthropy through the legacy of Andrew W. Mellon.
This note is more than currency. It is a piece of American history, offering a rare glimpse into the banking landscape of the Gilded Age and the life of one of America's most influential financiers. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.
The auction is live. N
This listing offers a rare and significant artifact from America's Gilded Age. It is a 1902 Series 100 Dollar National Currency Note, issued by the legendary Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chartered on June 13, 1902, under Charter Number 6301, this bank succeeded the earlier T. Mellon and Sons Bank and operated as a major financial institution during a transformative period in American history.
A Note of Monumental Rarity
For collectors of National Bank Notes, few designations carry as much weight as the 1902 Date Back. This note carries a distinction that places it among the most coveted of National Bank Notes. It is one of only four known examples of 100 Dollar recorded from this institution. The extreme scarcity of high-denomination notes from this era is well documented. One hundred dollar notes from the 1902 series are virtually unseen outside of the most advanced collections, making this note exceptionally rare and highly sought after by discerning collectors.
The Signature That Defines the Note
The autograph on this note is a defining feature that elevates its historical significance to an extraordinary level. It bears the hand-signed signature of Andrew W. Mellon, who served as the bank's president. Mellon was one of America's great financiers, with vast interests in coal, coke, iron, and aluminum, and was a principal figure in the banking industry.
His signature on this note is particularly poignant, as he would later become the United States Secretary of the Treasury, serving from 1921 to 1932 under presidents Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover. His tenure as Secretary of the Treasury is the longest in United States history.
Beyond his political career, Mellon was an extraordinary philanthropist. His personal art collection, valued at forty million dollars in 1937, formed the basis for the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., along with a ten million dollar gift for the construction of its west wing. His signature on this note connects it directly to a figure of immense historical and cultural importance.
The Bank and Its Storied History
The Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh was chartered on June 13, 1902, succeeding the earlier T. Mellon and Sons Bank. It was a major financial institution, issuing a significant volume of national currency. Records show that the bank issued large numbers of notes across all series, including 1902 Red Seals, Date Backs, and Plain Backs, as well as 1929 Type 1 and Type 2 notes. The bank's total note issuance was substantial, with the institution issuing more than thirteen million notes in total. It continues its legacy today as part of BNY Mellon, N.A., in Pittsburgh.
Design and Condition
The face of the note features a portrait of John J. Knox, a prominent Comptroller of the Currency, on the obverse, with prominent blue serial numbers and seal. The reverse displays an ornate green design with allegorical figures and the dates 1902 and 1908. This note exhibits typical wear consistent with its age and circulation, including creasing and discoloration. However, it retains good detail and legibility, with bold blue serial numbers and a vivid blue seal. There are no significant tears or repairs, preserving the integrity and historical value of this rare artifact.
Product Specifications
Denomination: 100 Dollars
Series: 1902
Type: National Currency Note
Bank: The Mellon National Bank of Pittsburgh
Charter Number: 6301
Portrait: John J. Knox
Signatures: A.W. Mellon (Bank President) and others
Reverse: Ornate design with allegorical figures and dates 1902 and 1908
Condition: Circulated with creasing and discoloration consistent with age, good detail and legibility, no significant tears or repairs
Rarity: One of only four known examples of 100 Dollar Date Backs from this institution.
Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection
This is a unique survivor, one of only four known examples of its kind. It carries the historical significance of American banking and politics, signed by A.W. Mellon, the longest-serving United States Secretary of the Treasury. It represents a 100 Dollar high-denomination note from the iconic 1902 series, a prize that eludes even seasoned collectors. Its charter number and historical importance connect it to an institution that endures to this day as part of BNY Mellon. Most of all, it is a tangible connection to the worlds of high finance, politics, and philanthropy through the legacy of Andrew W. Mellon.
This note is more than currency. It is a piece of American history, offering a rare glimpse into the banking landscape of the Gilded Age and the life of one of America's most influential financiers. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.
The auction is live. N
- Low Estimate: 10000.00
- High Estimate: 50000.00
Buyer's Premium
25%
1902 Mellon $100 - 1 of Only 4 Known
Estimate $10,000-$50,000
Starting Price
$1,000
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The Imperial Vault: National Bank Rarities
Jul 21, 2026, 6:00 PM EDTIrvine, CA, United States
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