-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 31715
Checkout
The 1929 $20 National Bank Note from Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a notable piece of U.S. currency that holds both historical and numismatic significance. As part of the series of 1929 National Bank Notes, this particular issue reflects the evolution of U.S. paper money during the early 20th century. The 1929 notes were introduced as part of the Federal Reserve's efforts to standardize currency after the National Banking Acts of the 1860s and 1870s, which had allowed individual banks to issue their own notes. The 1929 series marked a shift to a more uniform national currency, and the notes were designed to include new security features, including the prominent placement of the federal reserve bank district and a redesign of the national seal. The Fort Wayne note is one of many that were issued by a local bank under the supervision of the federal government and remains a significant collector’s item today.
The $20 denomination was one of the more common denominations of National Bank Notes, though the 1929 series saw a reduction in the number of banks issuing notes due to the aftermath of the Great Depression. Many small and regional banks went out of business, and the number of surviving National Bank Notes dwindled. As a result, any National Bank Note from this period, particularly those from smaller or less well-known banks, can be quite rare. Fort Wayne, Indiana, was home to a number of banks, and the Charter #7725 note represents one of these institutions. The rarity of notes like the 1929 $20 from Fort Wayne contributes to their appeal to collectors who specialize in National Bank Notes, particularly those from smaller cities or unique districts.
One of the defining features of the 1929 $20 National Bank Note is its design. Like all notes from the 1929 series, it features a compact size, measuring 6.14 inches by 2.61 inches. The design incorporates both classical and modern elements, with the large portraits of famous figures such as the Treasury Secretary and the president. In this case, the note features a portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, who had become a common figure on U.S. currency during the 19th and 20th centuries. Jackson was well-known for his populist policies, and his image has remained a symbol of the common man in U.S. political discourse. His inclusion on the $20 bill symbolizes his role in shaping U.S. economic and political systems.
The obverse of the note features Jackson's portrait to the left, while the large denomination "20" is placed prominently at the center of the note. The design elements are carefully arranged around the portrait, with ornate engravings framing the text and numbers. The reverse of the 1929 $20 note is more minimalistic, featuring the federal reserve seal, the signature of the bank president, and the U.S. Treasury seal, along with other security features. The green ink used on the reverse is a hallmark of U.S. currency, providing both a striking contrast to the front and additional security features against counterfeiting. The note’s layout emphasizes the federal authority of the U.S. government, showing the transition from the era of private bank notes to more standardized, government-issued currency.
The Fort Wayne $20 National Bank Note was issued by the National Bank of Fort Wayne, which was assigned Charter #7725. The bank was one of many institutions authorized by the federal government to issue notes following the passage of the National Banking Acts. This particular bank’s charter number is significant in identifying the note and helps collectors trace the history and authenticity of the currency. Like other national banks of the period, the National Bank of Fort Wayne was required to hold a certain percentage of their capital in U.S. bonds, which served as collateral for the notes they issued. This provided a measure of security for the holders of the notes and helped ensure their acceptance as legal tender across the nation.
In terms of mintage, the 1929 $20 Fort Wayne National Bank Note is relatively scarce. While the total number of $20 notes issued by the National Bank of Fort Wayne is not readily available, it is known that many banks issued notes in relatively small quantities. Following the passage of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, the U.S. banking system underwent significant restructuring, and the number of national banks issuing their own currency was reduced. By 1929, the United States had moved away from the days when state-chartered banks could freely issue their own paper money. As such, notes like the 1929 $20 from Fort Wayne are not only collectible for their rarity, but also for their representation of a unique period in U.S. monetary history.
As with most currency, the condition of the note plays a major role in its value. The 1929 $20 National Bank Note from Fort Wayne in Fine condition shows significant wear from circulation, with folds, creases, and other signs of use. The note still maintains its basic design elements and much of its original color, though the finer details of the portrait and the ornate flourishes may have been worn down over time. In this condition, the note is considered very collectible, especially given its historical significance and its status as a relatively rare piece of U.S. currency. While not in pristine condition, it still provides a glimpse into the monetary practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
As a collectible piece, the 1929 $20 National Bank Note Fort Wayne is valuable not only for its age but also for its rarity and historical importance. National Bank Notes, particularly those from smaller or regional banks like the National Bank of Fort Wayne, are often more desirable to collectors because of the limited number that were issued. The note's condition, though far from perfect, still offers collectors a tangible piece of U.S. history that connects them to the banking practices of the 1920s. As such, collectors will appreciate this note as part of a larger collection of National Bank Notes or U.S. currency from the same period, and it remains a desirable item for anyone interested in U.S. paper money.
Overall, the 1929 $20 National Bank Note Fort Wayne is a testament to the development of U.S. currency and the history of banking in America. With its rich design, historical context, and unique attributes, it remains an important and highly collectible piece. The scarcity of these notes, especially those from smaller cities, adds to their charm and value, making them a cherished addition to any collection of U.S. paper currency.