East Aurora, New York. $20 1902 Date Back. Fr. 645. The First NB. Charter #9950. PMG Choice Fine 15 Net. Restoration.This is one of those cases where condition takes a proverbial back seat to other concerns, as this is a landmark note on a prohibitively rare Erie County location. The bank was the only one to issue notes in East Aurora, and it was chartered relatively late, in March 1911. It met with liquidation just five years later, in 1916, having issued just $79,550 in notes, all Series of 1902 Date Backs in the $10-$10-$10-$20 sheet configuration. Today, there are just two to three confirmed survivors, this note and a $10 and another $20 note in comparable grades. Track and Price lists three in their census information with one of the $20 notes shown without serial number, plate or grade information. For most of their history with collectors, the two better documented pieces have both been closely held, likely as prized centerpieces of their respective collections as appearances are nearly unheard of. This $20 note or the other with minimal record was in the landmark Albert Grinnell Collection, and not offered since 1945. The Ten Dollar note was handled by Stacks in their 2010 sale bringing $16,100 and for the first time in 2003 as part of the Bill Sabis Collection, where it brought an astounding $26,000, nearly two times the published high estimate after aggressive floor bidding. This $20 offering is giving another fortunate collector a shot at owning a truly great note on New York state. Once this note enters the next collection, the past may indeed repeat itself and it could be years, even decades before another opportunity presents itself. A landmark note and among the highlights of the National Bank notes in this sale.<p>
