An Extraordinary Piece of Oklahoma and Frontier Banking History

This listing offers a rare and significant artifact from America's frontier past. It is an 1882 Series 20 Dollar Value Back National Currency Note, issued by The First National Bank of Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Chartered on September 10, 1901, under Charter Number 5961, this bank operated for three decades until its liquidation on March 4, 1931. The charter number, boldly printed on the note, serves as its fingerprint, linking it directly to a specific time, place, and institution.

A Note of Remarkable Scarcity

For collectors of National Bank Notes, few designations carry as much weight as the 1882 Value Back series. Issued for only a brief window, from approximately 1916 to 1922, this type is notably harder to find than other 1882 series issues. The First National Bank of Pawhuska issued its Value Back notes in the serial number range of 4261 through 7215, placing this example squarely within that limited production run.

Oklahoma notes are prized in their own right. Banks from the state are generally more valuable than those from more industrialized regions, a reflection of Oklahoma's less developed early economy and the lower survival rates of currency from frontier communities. When you combine territorial-era origins, a scarce Value Back design, and the romance of a frontier bank, you have a note that commands the attention of serious collectors, particularly those specializing in Oklahoma and Western banking history.

Understanding the Value Back Design

The 1882 Value Back series takes its name from its distinctive green reverse, which prominently spells out the denomination at center. This bold design choice sets it apart from other large-size currency of the era. The reverse also features oval vignettes of historical figures, including Secretary of the Treasury William P. Fessenden at left and an allegorical figure representing Mechanics at right.

The face design echoes the 1882 Date Backs but includes an additional blue Series of 1882 imprint vertically along the left side. The intricate engravings are hallmarks of the era, and the electric blue overprint remains deeply embossed into the paper, a testament to the craftsmanship of early American currency production. As a large-size note, or horse blanket currency as collectors affectionately call it, this piece represents a style that vanished after 1929, making it highly collectible today.

The Bank and Its Frontier Story

The First National Bank of Pawhuska was more than a financial institution. It was a pillar of the community, serving the economic life of Osage County during a period of profound transformation. Chartered on September 10, 1901, the bank succeeded the earlier Bank of Pawhuska and opened for business on October 8 of that year.

For three decades, it issued notes across multiple series, including the 1882 Brown Back, 1882 Date Back, 1882 Value Back, 1902 Plain Back, and 1929 Type 1. The bank's founder, Charles F. Stuart, had established its predecessor in 1906, even before Oklahoma achieved statehood. By 1920, the bank had grown considerably, reporting total resources of more than one point seven million dollars.

The bank's historic building still stands today at 100 West Main Street in Pawhuska, a quiet monument to an earlier age. The institution remained family-owned for over a century, eventually merging with American Heritage Bank in 2015. Its historical importance is further underscored by the fact that a certified proof from this very bank, Charter Number 5961, is held in the Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection. To hold this note is to hold a piece of that same legacy.

Condition and Character

This note shows the honest wear of a life spent in circulation. It exhibits folds, minor discoloration, and softened corners, all consistent with its age. Importantly, it remains intact with no major tears or repairs, preserving the integrity and historical value of this rare artifact. Its condition tells a story of use and survival, adding to its authenticity and appeal.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 20 Dollars
Series: 1882
Type: Value Back
Bank: The First National Bank of Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Charter Number: 5961
Serial Number Range: 4261 through 7215
Year Chartered: 1901
Liquidation Date: March 4, 1931
Condition: Circulated with typical wear, no major tears or repairs
Rarity: Scarce 1882 Value Back type from an Oklahoma frontier bank

Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This is a scarce Value Back type, issued for a short period and difficult to locate in any condition. It carries the heritage of Oklahoma's frontier era, issued by a bank in the heart of Osage County during the region's transformation from Indian Territory to statehood. Its charter number is documented in the Smithsonian Institution's c

• Low Estimate: 5000.00
• High Estimate: 20000.00