-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 33257
Checkout
The 1929 $10 National Bank Note from York, Pennsylvania, is a fascinating example of early 20th-century American currency. This note is part of the National Bank Note series issued under the National Banking Act of 1863, which was designed to create a national currency backed by the U.S. Treasury. The 1929 series marked a shift in the design and production of U.S. currency, with a new, smaller size for the notes. This series was the last one to be issued with the “National Bank Notes” title before the transition to Federal Reserve Notes, which would dominate the currency system in the years that followed. The 1929 $10 note from York, Pennsylvania, is a specific example from a bank in this region, adding a level of local history to the larger national narrative of the Great Depression era.
The design of the 1929 $10 National Bank Note is notable for its distinctive elements that set it apart from other notes of its time. On the obverse of the note, the portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, is prominently featured. Jackson is depicted as a strong and determined leader, his face exuding confidence and authority. This image was a staple on many $10 notes issued during this period and reflected Jackson's enduring place in American history. The background features intricate patterns and security features designed to deter counterfeiting. At the top of the note, the words “The York National Bank” and “Ten Dollars” are printed, marking this as a note issued by the National Bank of York. To the left of Jackson’s portrait is the denomination “10,” surrounded by elaborate scrollwork that adds to the aesthetic appeal and complexity of the design.
On the reverse side, the design shifts to a more formal depiction of the U.S. Treasury. The central image features an ornate vignette of the U.S. Treasury Building, emphasizing the federal government’s role in backing the currency. The note’s denomination is again clearly displayed, with the words “Ten Dollars” prominently appearing at the center of the note. The reverse is framed by intricate border designs, reinforcing the note’s authenticity and official nature. The overall design of the 1929 $10 note reflects the period’s commitment to creating a secure and functional currency that also conveyed a sense of national pride and authority. The careful attention to detail in the design of this currency was intended to inspire confidence in the U.S. financial system during a time of economic uncertainty, particularly as the nation was moving through the effects of the Great Depression.
The 1929 series was produced in response to the country’s ongoing financial difficulties, which were exacerbated by the stock market crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression. To stabilize the economy, the U.S. government passed the Glass-Steagall Act and the Banking Act of 1933, which created the Federal Reserve System and phased out the older National Bank Notes in favor of Federal Reserve Notes. Despite the large number of National Bank Notes that were printed in the 1929 series, only a limited number of these notes were actually issued. As a result, notes like the $10 National Bank Note from York are highly collectible today, especially in well-preserved condition. The unique charter number assigned to the York bank, #197, also adds to the note’s historical significance, as it places the bank within the context of the broader history of U.S. banking and financial regulation.
The mintage of the 1929 $10 National Bank Note is not as high as some other denominations from the series, making it a rarer find for collectors. While millions of these notes were printed by the U.S. Treasury, they were often redeemed and destroyed as the U.S. government transitioned to the Federal Reserve Note system. This means that surviving notes from this period, especially those from specific banks like the York National Bank, are considered to be valuable. The total number of $10 National Bank Notes issued by the York National Bank is not entirely clear, but it is estimated that a few thousand notes were likely issued with the bank's specific charter number, #197. The relatively low survival rate of these notes, combined with their historical significance, has made them sought-after items among currency collectors.
The condition of the 1929 $10 National Bank Note from York, Pennsylvania, plays a significant role in its value on the collector’s market. The note in question is graded as VG (Very Good), which means it shows signs of wear but retains much of its original design and integrity. In VG condition, the note may have significant folds and creases, with some staining or discoloration from age and handling. However, the general design elements, such as the portraits of Andrew Jackson and the U.S. Treasury Building, are still visible, and the note remains legible and recognizable as a historical document. Notes graded as VG are often much more affordable than those in higher grades, such as Fine or Extremely Fine, but they still carry significant historical value. The VG condition of this specific $10 National Bank Note makes it a more accessible piece for collectors who are interested in owning a piece of U.S. financial history, even if they are not able to acquire a note in pristine, uncirculated condition.
Collecting National Bank Notes, such as the 1929 $10 note from York, is an appealing way for numismatists to explore both American history and the intricacies of currency design. Each note tells a unique story about the bank that issued it, the period in which it was circulated, and the broader economic context in which it was used. For example, the York National Bank, charter #197, was part of the National Banking System, which sought to provide a uniform currency across the country while also stabilizing the U.S. banking system in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The note itself provides a snapshot of the era in which it was issued, with its intricate design elements reflecting the nation's commitment to both security and national pride during a time of economic distress. As such, this $10 National Bank Note is not just a collector’s item but a historical document in its own right.
The 1929 $10 National Bank Note from York, Pennsylvania, offers a rare glimpse into the financial practices of early 20th-century America. The decision to issue these notes as part of the National Bank Note series reflects the ongoing evolution of U.S. currency and the efforts to create a stable and unified financial system. For collectors, this note is not only a valuable piece of U.S. currency but also a piece of history that represents a moment in time when the nation was facing both economic challenges and opportunities for reform. The York National Bank, with its unique charter number and its issuance of this note, is part of the larger story of how the U.S. navigated the complexities of banking, currency, and national identity in the years leading up to the Great Depression.
In conclusion, the 1929 $10 National Bank Note from York, PA, Charter #197, in VG condition, is an important piece of U.S. currency history. Its design, which includes the portrait of Andrew Jackson and the vignette of the U.S. Treasury Building, reflects the nation’s efforts to create secure and respected currency during a time of economic instability. The relatively low mintage and the fact that only a limited number of notes from specific banks like the York National Bank survive today add to its rarity and value. Despite its wear and the signs of age typical of a VG-grade note, it remains a valuable collector’s item and an excellent representation of U.S. currency in the early 20th century. For those interested in U.S. numismatics and the history of American banking, this note is an essential addition to any collection.