1929 $20 1ST NB BARNESBORO PA

Description

1929 $20 First National Bank of Barnesboro PA – Note Overview

This 1929 $20 First National Bank of Barnesboro PA National Bank Note is a Type 1 variety carrying serial D001059A and cataloged as FR‑1802‑1. Issued under Charter #5818, this example has been third‑party graded PCGS 25 Very Fine Plus, showing mid‑grade circulation with strong originality and solid eye appeal. The centering presents well inside the PCGS holder, giving the note a balanced and attractive appearance for its grade.

Surviving Population & Collector Demand

Only 12 large‑size notes and 63 small‑size notes are recorded for the First National Bank of Barnesboro. This makes the bank a scarce Cambria County issuer with meaningful collector interest. Notes from this charter do not appear frequently, and mid‑grade examples with strong presentation remain desirable for regional collectors, type collectors, and those building Pennsylvania national sets.

Early Barnesboro History

Barnesboro’s development is rooted in the timber and coal industries that shaped Northern Cambria County. The land began as dense forest granted to Edward C. Fisher in 1835. Early settlers David Ralston and Peter Garman cleared the land and sold lumber, much of which traveled down the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Logging remained a major industry until railroad expansion opened the region to coal mining.

Coal Boom & Immigration

Mining companies such as Delta, Empire, and Maderia established operations in the early 1890s. The coal boom attracted workers from Houtzdale, Philipsburg, Great Britain, and Eastern Europe. Their descendants still maintain strong cultural traditions, reflected in community clubs such as the Slovak American Citizen’s Club and the Polish Legion.

Incorporation & Industrial Growth

Barnesboro was incorporated on May 5, 1894, named after Thomas Barnes, a key figure in local mining development. The Barnes and Tucker Company built the first local power plant in 1898, supplying electricity to both the community and mining operations. The town later became a regional shopping center and cultural hub, with its opera house serving as a major attraction in the early 1900s. Industrial growth continued into the 20th century with the Phillips‑Jones shirt factory, a major employer until 2004.

Collector Appeal

Collectors of Pennsylvania nationals appreciate notes that connect directly to the region’s coal, timber, and industrial heritage. This 1929 $20 First National Bank of Barnesboro PA combines scarcity, historical depth, and strong mid‑grade presentation — an appealing addition to any Western Pennsylvania or charter‑focused national bank note collection.