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My sister-in-law was given this 1929 $50 what is its worth?


Untitled by henrysmedford, on Flickr

Untitled by henrysmedford, on Flickr

The good news is that despite being a 1929 National Currency note, its not from the San Fransisco Federal Reserve which would be much more common. However with the pen marks I don't know if it would grade very well. I'd say $60-$75 range. I looked at Ebay and there was a PMG graded "Very Fine 25" note of the same bank listed at a $218 in BIN, unsold. I'd put it in Ebay auction and cross your fingers if it has no sentimental value.

National Bank Note. Series 1929. Type 1. Friedberg # F-1803-1. Value, based on your images, would likely be between $200 and $500. The owner of "The Little Mint" in Reedsport knows a lot more than I do about National Currency Notes and should be able to give a better estimate on the value.

Here's a list from ebay of what the realized prices were for an similar items.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=1929+San+francisco+Bank+%2450&_in_kw=1&_ex_kw=&_sacat=0&_okw=&_oexkw=&_adv=1&LH_Sold=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_samilow=&_samihi=&_sadis=200&_fpos=&_fsct=&LH_SALE_CURRENCY=0&_sop=1&_dmd=1&_ipg=50&LH_Complete=1

It looks like they are all drawing bids, so that is a good sign!

Perhaps that particular bank charter number or the signatures are more rare. Nice piece of history in spite of the ink pen marks. It's those same marks, though, that kill off any great premium that may be attached to that note. Most of the paper money enthusiasts I know are perfectionists. Seems reasonable to assume your realistic return may be in the $75-100 range, but, hey, if the $50 was given to you anyway, it's still a windfall now matter how it's sliced (or marked in this case).