1882 $20 First National Bank Pawhuska Oklahoma National Currency Value Back 1 of 3 Known CN# 5961 RARE – Only 27 Total Notes Survive – Graded 45 in 1997

1882 $20 First National Bank of Pawhuska, Oklahoma National Currency | Value Back | Charter #5961 | RARE – One of Only 3 Known Fr. 583 – Finest Survivor of the 3 – Only 27 Total Notes Survive from this Bank

Genuine 1882 $20 National Bank Note – Value Back Variety. One of Only Three Recorded Fr. 583 from The First National Bank of Pawhuska, Oklahoma – And THE FINEST REMAINING SURVIVOR.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to own a true rarity in Oklahoma and American banking history. Offered here is an original 1882 $20 National Bank Note issued by The First National Bank of Pawhuska, Oklahoma (Charter #5961). This is not a reproduction. It is a genuine, large‑size currency note from the National Banking Era.

According to the National Bank Note Census, this is one of only 3 known Fr. 583 (1882 Value Back) from this institution. Even more remarkable, this example is widely considered the FINEST remaining survivor of the three known specimens. With only 27 surviving notes TOTAL from Charter #5961 across all denominations and series, this represents the pinnacle of condition for this variety from this bank.

Key Details

• Series: 1882 (Second Charter Period)
• Charter Number: #5961 – First National Bank of Pawhuska
• Friedberg Number: Fr. 583 (Value Back type)
• Condition: Very Fine (VF) – solid paper, clear dark stamped signatures, even wear consistent with age
• Previous Grading: Subjectively graded as a 45 in 1997 (on a 1-70 scale)
• Size: Large size currency – approximately 7.5 x 3.1 inches, much larger than modern bills
• Rarity Rank: One of only 3 known Fr. 583 examples from this bank – THE FINEST of the 3
• Total Survivors: Only 27 notes total known from Charter #5961 across all denominations

What is a Value Back?

The 1882 $20 Value Back (Fr. 583) derives its name from the reverse design, which prominently features the word "TWENTY DOLLARS" engraved within a decorative value panel. This distinguishes it from the Date Back variety, which displays the bank's charter date. Value Backs are generally scarcer than Date Backs for many issuing banks, making this example particularly desirable.

Why This Note is Special

Finest Known – The #1 Condition Census Example: This is not just one of three surviving Fr. 583 Value Back notes from the First National Bank of Pawhuska – it is the FINEST remaining survivor of the three. For the condition-conscious collector, this represents the single best example of this variety that exists. The grade of 45 (Very Fine+) from the 1997 subjective grading places this note at the top of the population report for this Friedberg number from Charter #5961.

Extreme Rarity – Bank Level: Of the notes issued by The First National Bank of Pawhuska (Charter #5961), only 27 examples are known to survive today in all denominations and all series combined. This places the bank among the rarest of the rare in the National Bank Note collecting community.

Extreme Rarity – Variety Level: This specific Fr. 583 $20 Value Back is one of only three known examples from this bank – and the finest of them all. Most surviving notes from this charter are from other denominations or series, and none of the other two Fr. 583 specimens match this note's overall quality and eye appeal.

Provenance: This note was subjectively graded as a 45 in 1997. While not a certified grade from a major third-party grading service like PMG or PCGS, this historical assessment provides valuable insight into the note's longstanding recognition as the finest survivor of this rare variety.

Historic Context: Pawhuska was the seat of the Osage Nation in Indian Territory, issued before Oklahoma statehood. The bank was chartered in 1901 and closed in 1931, giving it a relatively short issuance window and contributing to the extreme scarcity of its surviving notes.

Collector Demand: National Bank Notes from small‑town Oklahoma banks are highly collectible, especially those from Osage County. With only 27 total survivors from the entire bank, just 3 examples of this specific Fr. 583, and THIS being the finest of those 3, opportunities to acquire the #1 Condition Census example may never come again.

Provenance & Census Data

This note has been recorded in the National Bank Note Census as one of only three Fr. 583 examples known to exist from Charter #5961. The census further confirms that across all series and denominations (including $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100), only 27 total notes from The First National Bank of Pawhuska are known to survive.

In 1997, this note was subjectively graded as a 45 on the standard 1-70 numismatic grading scale. This historical grade – the highest assigned to any known Fr. 583 from this bank – confirms its status as the finest remaining survivor of the three known specimens. The note is being sold raw (uncertified) and presents as shown in the photographs.

This represents a significant opportunity for the specialist collector of Oklahoma Nationals or the advanced National Bank Note collector seeking a major rarity from a challenging state – and specifically the very best example known of this variety.

Authenticity Guarantee

Please review all photos carefully. The images show the exact note you will receive. This note is guaranteed genuine and original and is one of only 3 recorded Fr. 583 examples from First National Bank of Pawhuska (Charter #5961), with only 27 total notes known surviving from this bank. It is widely considered the finest remaining survivor of the three known specimens. If proven otherwise, a full refund will be provided. High‑resolution photos are considered part of the description.

Shipping & Payment

This note will be shipped flat and securely between rigid archival-quality materials to ensure safe delivery. Insurance and signature confirmation are required and included in the shipping cost. Please contact us with any questions before purchasing.

This note is sold as shown and raw (uncertified). Serious inquiries and reasonable offers are welcome. This is the finest known Fr. 583 from Charter #5961 – acquire it with confidence.