Amid the dust and drama of Tombstone’s Silver Boom, the 1882 Brown Back $10 National Bank Note emerges as a powerful artifact of frontier finance.
Issued by the First National Bank of Tombstone, Arizona (Charter No. 6439), this rare note not only reflects the town’s Wild West allure but also commands a current market value hovering above $100,000, thanks to its scarcity and iconic origin.
The 1882 Brown Back: Wild West Banking’s Iconic Currency
- Series & Appearance: Part of the National Bank Note Series of 1882 (Brown Back), a format issued between 1882–1902 with intricate brown reverse printing.
- Issuing bank: The First National Bank of Tombstone, established 1902, capitalized on Arizona’s boomtown economy.
- Design highlights: Brown reverse plate, bank name prominently printed, $10 denomination, blank back seal (plain) indicative of the territorial era.
Issued in a volatile frontier, this note may have passed hands through the saloons and mining tills of Tombstone’s heyday.
Rarity: How Many Survive?
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charter number | 6439 – unique to First Nat’l Bank Tombstone |
| Total notes issued | Likely small due to short operation (1902–1926) |
| Estimated survivors | Only a handful—among ~700 Arizona national notes known |
| Auction appearances | Extremely rare in brown-back format |
Given the few national bank notes known from Arizona, Tombstone issues are among the rarest—especially $10 brown-backs.
Market Value & Auction Records
| Year | Grade & Note | Result Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Eaton CO 1882 $10 brown-back | $37,375 |
| 2016 | Tombstone 1902 plain-back $10 | ~$40,000–$60,000 |
| Today | 1882 Tombstone $10 brown-back? | $100K+ estimated |
While no specific 1882 Tombstone $10 brown back has sold publicly at $100K, its extreme rarity and comparable transaction data suggest this valuation.
Why This Note Warrants a Six-Figure Price
A. Frontier Heritage
Tombstone is legendary—from the silver boom to the O.K. Corral shootout—making any Morgan-note from here compelling.
B. Series Rarity
Arizona notes from the 1882 series are few—estimated ~700 total across all banks—including none from Tombstone beyond a few $10 plain-backs.
C. Collector Demand
Regional collectors and Wild West enthusiasts prize currency tied to infamous boomtowns. High-grade brown-back examples are essentially nonexistent.
Valley of Value—Arizona National Notes
| Note Type | Known Survivors | Auction Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1882 Brown‑Back $10 (Tombstone) | <5? | $80K–$150K+ |
| 1882 Brown‑Back $10 (Eaton CO) | 1+ | $37,375 (VF) |
| 1902 Plain‑Back $10 (Tombstone) | 1+ | $40,000–$60,000 (VF) |
| Other AZ Brown‑Backs | Rare | $10K–$30K (common issues) |
Identification & Collecting Guidelines
- Check charter number: 6439 indicates Tombstone.
- Confirm series/date: Brown-back (1882), plate F490 format.
- Assess condition: Brown-backs with full margins and minimal wear achieve top tier. Plain-backs fetch $40K+, brown-back premiums are much higher.
- Authenticate and grade: PMG or PCGS Currency provide provenance assurance and insurance-grade grading.
- Trace origin: Documentation of Tombstone issuance or known hoards can elevate value.
The 1882 Brown Back $10 National Bank Note from Tombstone, Arizona is not just paper—it’s a Wild West relic. With likely fewer than five known survivors and deep historical resonance, its current market valuation of $100,000+ is understandable. For collectors, it’s more than currency; it’s a tangible link to Tombstone’s boom, bullets, and buried treasures.
FAQs
Q1: What makes the Tombstone brown-back different from plain-back notes?
Brown-backs (1882 series) have elaborate reverse printing, while Tombstone also issued 1902 plain-backs. Brown-backs of any denomination are far rarer and more valuable.
Q2: How many Tombstone bank notes survive today?
Likely under a dozen total. Brown-back $10s probably number fewer than five, based on national records (~700 Arizona notes but few from Tombstone).
Q3: Should I grade mine PMG or PCGS?
Yes. Grading adds authenticity and greatly improves marketability, especially for a note with such strong historical value.