AMERICA 250 – UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 1776–2026
Description
NEW TO CENSUS 1882 BROWBACK
This 1882 $10 Williamsport Brown Back is an exceptional early National Bank Note from Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. Issued by The First National Bank of Williamsport, this note carries Charter 175 and serial 5107, placing it among the earliest chartered banks in the state. Third‑party graded PCGS 35, the note displays strong detail, centered design elements, and a bold Brown Back layout. The signatures show some fading, which is typical for the series, yet the overall appearance remains bright, attractive, and well‑preserved for a note printed well over 100 years ago.
Key Features of This 1882 $10 Williamsport Brown Back
- Charter 175
- Serial 5107
- PCGS 35
- Strong Brown Back detail
- Centered design with bright paper
- Early series National Bank Note
- Low charter number
- One of only five Brown Backs known for this bank, Highest graded brown back out of all FIVE.
- 49 large‑size and 108 small‑size notes known in total
Why Brown Backs and Pennsylvania Nationals Are Highly Collected
Brown Backs from early charters are prized for their ornate reverse designs and limited survival rates. This Williamsport example is especially significant because it is new to the census, raising the total number of Brown Backs for this bank to only five across all denominations. Highest graded brown back national for this charter. Notes from Charter 175 are scarce, and early‑series examples with strong detail are increasingly difficult to locate.
Williamsport itself adds historical depth to this note. As the county seat of Lycoming County, the city has long served as the cultural and commercial center of North Central Pennsylvania. Known for its lumber industry, higher‑education institutions, and status as the birthplace of Little League Baseball, Williamsport has a rich heritage that enhances the appeal of its National Bank Notes. The city’s location along the West Branch Susquehanna River and its role in regional development make its early banking history especially collectible.
Overall, this note combines rarity, historical significance, and strong visual appeal. It is an outstanding addition to any advanced National Bank Note or Brown Back collection.