FR 399a $5 Original Series National Bank Note PMG 40 EPQ

Black Charter National Bank Notes are one of the most sought-after US type notes extant. Representing the first nationals with the bank charter number prominently displayed on the face, these notes became a numismatic rarity soon after Continental Bank Note Company removed the charter number from the original face plate. At its inception, the charter number was part of the original plate and was printed in black like the rest of the front design. On later examples, the charter number was “over printed” with a different font and the color was changed from black to red. The National Bank of Pontiac, IL represented the only bank in Illinois to receive this Black Charter variety. And the best part is…this note is the FINEST KNOWN for the bank (and state) of the 3 that are available to own (5 known, 2 impounded in museums. With its great eye appeal, exceptional paper quality (EPQ) moniker from PMG (exceedingly rare for Black Charters), dark signatures and just a scattering of light folds, this example will fit in nicely in a collection full of numismatic rarities. #54 in 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman