New York, New York. $10 1882 Brown Back. Friedberg 480 (W-1361). The NB of Commerce. Charter #733. PCGS Currency Superb Gem New 67 PPQ.This incredible $10 Brown Back from the National Bank of Commerce (title changed slightly to the National Bank of Commerce in New York in 1905) is among the finest examples known for its type. It is broadly margined and sharply printed. This colossal Big Apple bank was chartered in January 1865 with an authorized capital of $10,000,000, limited to $50,000,000 should the directors choose to increase the amount. The institution issued $5,032,336 in National Bank currency into circulation before liquidating in April 1929.<p><p>The $10 Brown Backs of 1882 feature a vignette at left titled <em>Franklin and Electricity</em>, depicting the founding fathers famous kite experiment. At right is the vignette <em>America Seizing the Lightning.</em> The motifs on the face are evocative of an early nation just seizing upon the benefits of the electrical revolution. Bold brown overprint inks are found on the face, with a scalloped Treasury Seal to the lower right of center, charter number 733 at right and SERIES 1882 vertically in small letters left of center. This example has machine printed bank officers signatures, a process employed by many of the nations largest note issuing banks at the time. The back is vividly printed in striking brown inks and displays the state seal at left and an eagle upon a shield at right. The charter number is boldly presented at center in blue-green ink.<p><p>Just three Fr.480 (W-1361) examples have been graded finer than the present note. In all just six $10 Brown Backs of all catalog numbers have achieved a 68 PPQ grade. This is a magnificent representation of the type and a note fit for the finest of collections.<p><p><strong>PCGS Population: </strong>9, 3 finer.<em>From Heritage Auctions sale of September 2006, lot 16924.</em>