1902 $10 Plain Back | First National Bank of Gettysburg PA | Charter #311 | Fr. 624 | High Grade | Civil War Collector's Dream

1902 $10 National Currency | Plain Back | First National Bank of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania | Charter #311 | Fr. 624 | HUGE DEMAND TOWN | High Grade Example | A Must‑Have for Gettysburg & Civil War Collectors

Genuine 1902 $10 Plain Back National Bank Note – Friedberg Fr. 624. Issued by The First National Bank of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Charter #311). High Grade Survivor from One of the Most Historically Significant and Highly Demanded Towns in American Numismatics.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a piece of Americana that transcends traditional currency collecting. Offered here is an original 1902 $10 Plain Back (Fr. 624) issued by The First National Bank of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Charter #311). This is not a reproduction. It is a genuine, large‑size currency note from the National Banking Era, and it originates from what is arguably the most historically significant small town in the United States – from its very first national bank.

Friedberg Fr. 624 is the standard catalog designation for the 1902 $10 Plain Back. Charter #311 – The First National Bank of Gettysburg – represents the oldest and most important national bank in this hallowed town. Gettysburg nationals are among the most actively sought and fiercely competed‑for notes in all of National Bank Note collecting. The demand far outstrips supply, and high grade examples of Fr. 624 from Charter #311 are virtually never available for extended periods. This Plain Back note represents a rare opportunity to secure a premium condition Gettysburg piece from the bank that started it all.

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The Gettysburg Factor – Why This Town Commands Such Demand

No other small town in America carries the historical weight of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War (July 1–3, 1863) and President Abraham Lincoln's immortal Gettysburg Address, this town is hallowed ground for millions of Americans.

Collectors of Gettysburg nationals – especially from Charter #311, The First National Bank of Gettysburg – come from multiple disciplines:

• National Bank Note collectors seeking a premium Pennsylvania rarity with a low charter number
• Civil War enthusiasts who want a tangible artifact from the most famous battle site
• Lincoln collectors drawn to any Gettysburg item associated with the 16th President's most famous speech
• Pennsylvania historians building comprehensive sets of Keystone State nationals
• Gettysburg visitors and veterans who feel a personal connection to the town
• Low charter number collectors who pursue three-digit charters like #311

The result is explosive demand. When a Gettysburg national from Charter #311 appears at auction or in a dealer inventory, it rarely remains available for more than a few days. High grade examples are even more coveted and often become generational collection centerpieces.

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Key Details

• Bank: The First National Bank of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Charter Number: #311
• Series: 1902 (Third Charter Period)
• City: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
• Denomination: $10
• Variety: Plain Back
• Friedberg Number: Fr. 624
• Condition: High Grade – exceptional for any Gettysburg national, especially from Charter #311
• Size: Large size currency – approximately 7.5 x 3.1 inches
• Demand Level: EXTREMELY HIGH – among the most sought‑after towns and charter numbers in the National Bank Note field
• Collector Appeal: Crosses over into Civil War, Lincoln, Pennsylvania history, and low charter number markets

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About The First National Bank of Gettysburg – Charter #311

The First National Bank of Gettysburg (Charter #311) was one of the earliest national banks established in Pennsylvania. Chartered in 1864 – just one year after the Battle of Gettysburg – this bank was founded in the immediate aftermath of the most famous battle in American history. The town was still reeling from the devastation of July 1863 when Charter #311 received its authorization to issue national currency.

As the first national bank in Gettysburg, Charter #311 holds a special place in the town's history. The bank served a community that had been forever transformed by the three days of fighting and Lincoln's subsequent address. Notes from this institution are among the most desirable of all Pennsylvania nationals, combining low charter number appeal with unparalleled historical resonance.

Surviving notes from Charter #311 are scarce across all series and denominations. High grade examples like this 1902 $10 Plain Back (Fr. 624) are true condition rarities.

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What is Friedberg Fr. 624?

Friedberg Fr. 624 is the standard catalog reference for the 1902 $10 Plain Back National Bank Note. This specific Friedberg number is characterized by:

• Series: 1902 Third Charter
• Denomination: $10
• Variety: Plain Back (no charter date on reverse)
• Seal: Brown seal with blue serial numbers
• Size: Large size currency (approx. 7.5 x 3.1 inches)

The Fr. 624 Plain Back represents the later production of the 1902 series. Unlike the Date Back variety (Fr. 613-Fr. 618) which features the bank's charter date prominently on the reverse, the Fr. 624 Plain Back has an unadorned reverse design with no date panel. Plain Backs were produced after the Date Backs and are generally considered scarcer for many issuing banks, particularly smaller institutions like The First National Bank of Gettysburg.

For Charter #311, Fr. 624 Plain Backs are encountered less frequently than Date Backs, making this high grade example even more desirable.

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Why This Note is Extraordinary

Low Charter Number Appeal – #311: Three-digit charter numbers are highly coveted by National Bank Note collectors. Charter #311 represents an early issuance from 1864, placing this bank among the first generation of national banks. The combination of a low charter number and Gettysburg's historical significance is exceptionally powerful.

High Grade for a High Demand Town & Charter: Most Gettysburg nationals – especially those from Charter #311 – that surface on the market show significant circulation: soft corners, staining, or other impairments. Collectors have historically accepted lower grade examples simply because anything from Gettysburg is so difficult to obtain. This note breaks that pattern. Presented in genuinely high grade with crisp paper, bold colors, sharp corners, and outstanding eye appeal, it stands apart from the typical Gettysburg offering.

Unmatched Historical Resonance: This Fr. 624 note was issued by the very first national bank established in Gettysburg after the Civil War. The bank served a town that had been forever transformed by the three days of fighting in 1863 and Lincoln's subsequent address. Every note from Charter #311 carries that legacy – but this high grade example carries it with exceptional distinction.

The Perfect $10 Denomination: The $10 denomination is highly collectible across all National Bank Notes – large enough to be a serious note but accessible enough to attract broad interest. For a high demand town like Gettysburg and a low charter like #311, the Fr. 624 $10 Plain Back is often the sweet spot of affordability and desirability.

Civil War Collector Crossover: Civil War memorabilia collectors who typically focus on weapons, uniforms, or documents are increasingly recognizing National Bank Notes from historic towns as legitimate and desirable artifacts. A high grade Gettysburg Fr. 624 $10 Plain Back from Charter #311 appeals to this expanding collector base, further driving demand.

Scarce Plain Back Variety (Fr. 624): For Charter #311, Fr. 624 Plain Back notes are encountered less frequently than Date Backs. This scarcity adds an additional layer of desirability for the variety-conscious collector.

Pennsylvania Rarity Context: While Pennsylvania has many collectible towns, Gettysburg occupies a tier of its own alongside Valley Forge and Philadelphia's Independence Hall. Charter #311 elevates this note even further within that tier. The combination of extreme popularity, low charter number, and limited surviving notes creates a supply‑demand imbalance that shows no signs of correcting.

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Charter #311 – Brief Historical Timeline

• 1863 (July 1-3): The Battle of Gettysburg – the bloodiest battle of the Civil War
• 1863 (November 19): President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address
• 1864: The First National Bank of Gettysburg receives Charter #311, becoming the first national bank in the town
• 1902: This $10 Plain Back (Fr. 624) was issued under the Third Charter period
• 1935: The National Banking Era ends; Charter #311 notes become collectible rarities

Most Charter #311 nationals that survive show heavy circulation, having been used in everyday commerce for decades. A high grade survivor like this Fr. 624 $10 Plain Back is a true outlier – a note that was apparently set aside shortly after issuance and preserved with care for over 120 years.

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Provenance & Condition

This 1902 $10 Plain Back Fr. 624 from The First National Bank of Gettysburg (Charter #311) presents with exceptional eye appeal. The paper remains strong and original with no signs of washing or pressing. The signatures and overprints are bold and fully legible. The corners are sharp with minimal handling evidence.

For the collector who has been waiting for a premium condition Gettysburg note from the bank's original charter (#311), this may be the opportunity you have been seeking. High grade Gettysburg nationals are rarely offered, and Fr. 624 Plain Back examples from Charter #311 are even scarcer.

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Authenticity Guarantee

Please review all photos carefully. The images show the exact note you will receive. This note is guaranteed genuine and original – an authentic 1902 $10 Plain Back (Friedberg Fr. 624) from The First National Bank of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Charter #311) in high grade. If proven otherwise, a full refund will be provided. High‑resolution photos are considered part of the description.

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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.

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This note is sold as shown. Serious inquiries and reasonable offers are welcome. High grade Gettysburg nationals from Charter #311 – especially Fr. 624 Plain Backs – are among the fastest‑selling notes in the hobby. Do not delay.