Ashland, Wisconsin. $5 1882 Brown Back. Fr. 469. The Northern NB. Charter #3607. PMG Extremely Fine 40. Serial Number 1. Although not a rare locality by any means, this lovely $5 Brown Back from the Badger State is among the most desirable of rarities to hail from Wisconsin. Unassuming at first glance, this note combines several desirable traits that make this specimen stand apart from most examples of the type/denomination. First the serial number, hailing from the first sheet delivered of Brown Back $5s to the Northern National Bank this note was likely saved as a souvenir by one of the bank officers or an employee and kept as a family keepsake over the intervening decades before offered for public consumption. Although a serial number 1 note is always going to be desirable, another factor sets this note apart in an aesthetic sense. Unlike most $5 Brown Backs this note happens to be an example of the so-called and extremely popular "Circus Poster" title layout that is fiercely coveted by collectors and specialists today. According to research compiled by the esteemed Peter Huntoon only 50 banks spread across 28 states issued $5 Brown Backs which used the "Circus Poster" layout. Combined with this notes serial number and the "Circus Poster" title layout you have the perfect combination of rarity and desirability that you have a true trophy for the Wisconsin specialist and an opportunity that is likely not to be repeated for years and maybe even decades. PMG comments "Previously Mounted."<p><p>
