1929 $20 The Union National Bank of Frenchtown, NJ

Rare Frenchtown National Bank Note

This Frenchtown National Bank Note is a scarce 1929 Series $20 National Bank Note issued by The Union National Bank of Frenchtown, New Jersey. Bearing Charter #1459 and serial number D000178A, this desirable Type 1 note represents a difficult New Jersey issuer with a surprisingly small surviving population. Notes from this charter seldom appear on the market, making them highly attractive to collectors of National Bank Notes and northeastern hometown currency.

Scarce Type 1 Twenty Dollar Issue

The example offered here grades Very Fine and retains strong overall eye appeal. The note displays attractive color, pleasing detail, and solid originality. It does have an old pen mark on the front along with a 8 or so pinholes, which are noted for accuracy. Even with these minor circulation-related issues, the note remains a very respectable representative of this elusive charter.

More importantly, this Frenchtown National Bank Note is a denomination seldom encountered from this bank. Advanced collectors understand that availability often matters more than grade when dealing with rare National Bank issuers.

Low Census Population

The Union National Bank of Frenchtown is not a common issuing bank. Current census records report only 14 small-size notes and 33 large-size notes known for the charter. This particular Type 1 $20 note is especially significant because it represents a new addition to the census population.

Prior to this discovery, only one other $20 denomination note had been recorded from the bank. That example was a Type 2 note sold by Heritage Auctions in 2014 and graded Fine 15. As a result, the appearance of this previously unreported Type 1 example is an important event for specialists in National Bank Notes.

Desirable New Jersey Banking History

Located along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, Frenchtown has a rich history dating back to the nineteenth century. Notes issued by local banks connect collectors directly to the communities they once served.

Whether added to a New Jersey collection, a National Bank Note set, or a census-worthy rarity portfolio, this Frenchtown National Bank Note offers outstanding scarcity, historic importance, and strong collector appeal. A truly tough note that rarely becomes available for purchase.