National Currency Issued by the First National Bank of Pittsfield

Backed by bonds deposited with the Federal Government, this kind of money says “National Currency” at the top center of the note. These notes were issued by banks who received a Charter from the United States government allowing them to issue money. The Government Printing Office printed these notes with the same design except for the name of the banks, signatures of the bank officers and the Charter number. National Currency notes were made from 1863 to 1929.
The 1929 notes are the only small size notes and come in two types. The Type I note has a brown seal with the charter number only in large black numerals. Type 2 notes have in addition the charter number printed with brown letters near the serial number of the note.

Below are the front and back images of $10 and $20 bills issued by the First National Bank of Pittsfield.

(Thanks to Pittsfield collector Revelin Goewey for supplying us with these images.)

The 1929 notes are the only small denomination notes and come in two types. The Type I note has a brown seal with the charter number only in large black numerals. Type 2 notes have in addition the charter number printed with brown letters near the serial number of the note.