Description
FR‑401 — 1875 $5 First Charter National Bank Note
Scarce Early First Charter Issue
This FR‑401 1875 Series Five Dollar National Bank Note comes from The First National Bank of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, a historically tough Carbon County issuer with very limited surviving material. Only 20 large‑size notes are recorded for this charter, making any First Charter example a significant find. Even more impressive, just three known 1875 Series notes appear in the census, placing this piece among the rarest early survivors from Lehighton. With only 55 small‑size notes known, the bank remains a low‑population issuer across all eras.
Original Paper and Strong Signatures
This note is graded PMG 25 Very Fine Plus and is housed in an original PMG holder. The paper remains fully original, with honest circulation and no distracting problems. The pen signatures are bold and attractive, adding strong visual appeal to the face of the note. The color is still pleasing, and the design elements retain good clarity for the grade. This example comes from the top position of the sheet (A‑position), a detail appreciated by specialists who track plate positions and sheet layouts.
Historical and Collector Significance
Lehighton nationals have long been desirable due to their scarcity and the limited number of early First Charter notes available. The 1875 Series is especially important because it represents one of the earliest standardized designs in National Bank Note history. Surviving examples from Pennsylvania First Charters continue to gain interest among collectors who focus on regional rarity, early printings, and banks with small census populations.
Why This Note Stands Out
This PMG‑certified Very Fine+ example offers a rare combination of originality, strong signatures, and genuine scarcity. With only three 1875 Series notes known for this charter, it represents a premium opportunity for collectors seeking early Pennsylvania nationals or anyone building a serious First Charter type set. The combination of rarity, grade, and historical importance makes this note a standout offering with long‑term collector appeal.