A Remarkable Piece of Pennsylvania Banking History

This listing offers a rare and significant artifact from Pennsylvania's banking heritage. It is a 1902 Series 20 Dollar Plain Back National Currency Note, issued by the Lititz Springs National Bank of Lititz, Pennsylvania, under Charter Number 9422. The bank was organized on May 22, 1909, and chartered on May 29, 1909, opening for business on June 1 of that year.

A Note of Singular Rarity

For collectors of National Bank Notes, few designations carry as much weight as a note that stands alone as the only known example. This note carries that distinction. It is the only known 20 Dollar Plain Back example for this charter. Notes that are the only known for a specific charter, series, and denomination are exceptionally rare and highly prized. This note's status as a unique survivor from the Lititz Springs National Bank's issuance makes it a landmark acquisition for any serious collection of Pennsylvania or National Bank currency.

The Portrait and Its Significance

The face of this note features a portrait of Hugh McCulloch, a figure of profound importance in American financial history. McCulloch served as Comptroller of the Currency from 1863 to 1865 and later as Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Lincoln, Johnson, and Arthur. As the first Comptroller of the Currency, he played a pivotal role in establishing the National Banking System during the Civil War era. His presence on this note connects it directly to the very foundations of the monetary system that produced it.

The Bank and Its History

The Lititz Springs National Bank was organized on May 22, 1909, and chartered on May 29, 1909, opening for business on June 1, 1909. The bank operated for decades, issuing notes in the 1902 Date Back, 1902 Plain Back, and 1929 Type 1 and Type 2 series.

The bank's landmark building at 1 East Main Street, designed by renowned Lancaster architect C. Emlen Urban, opened in 1924 and still stands today as a historic landmark. The building served as the home of Lititz Springs National Bank until its merger with Conestoga National Bank in 1962, and most recently housed a branch of Ephrata National Bank. The building remains a testament to the bank's enduring place in the community.

Historical Context: The 1902 Plain Back Series

The Series 1902 National Bank Notes were among the most widely issued large-size notes in the United States, featuring individual bank charters from across the country. Plain Back notes were the third issue within the 1902 series, printed without the Date Back feature that appeared on earlier notes. They circulated well into the 1920s and represent the last large-size national currency issued by the United States Treasury.

Design and Condition

The reverse side of this note features a detailed engraving of a classical figure and the United States Capitol building. This note exhibits significant wear, creasing, and discoloration consistent with its age and circulation. There are several vertical and horizontal folds, and the edges show some fraying and minor tears. The paper has softened and there are some visible stains. Despite these condition issues, the note remains intact and legible, preserving the historical integrity of this unique artifact.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 20 Dollars
Series: 1902 Plain Back
Type: National Currency Note
Bank: Lititz Springs National Bank
City and State: Lititz, Pennsylvania
Charter Number: 9422
Portrait: Hugh McCulloch
Serial Number: 9422
Plate Number: 9964
Reverse Design: Classical figure with United States Capitol
Condition: Circulated with folds, minor tears, stains, and softened paper
Rarity: Only known 20 Dollar Plain Back for this charter

Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This is a unique survivor, the only known 20 Dollar Plain Back note from Lititz Springs National Bank. It carries the historical significance of Pennsylvania banking heritage, issued by a bank chartered in 1909 in historic Lititz. It features the portrait of Hugh McCulloch, a founding father of the National Banking System. It represents one of the last large-size notes issued under the National Banking System, an era when local banks issued their own currency backed by United States bonds. Most of all, it is a tangible connection to a bygone era of American finance and a landmark acquisition for collectors of Pennsylvania currency.

This note is more than currency. It is a piece of Pennsylvania history and a unique survivor from the era of national banking. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Notes of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 3.1, Width 7.4, Depth 0.004 inches
Weight

• Low Estimate: 10000.00
• High Estimate: 20000.00