Frost Bank in San Antonio, Texas
I have always found the notes of the private name national banks, those named for a particular person or family, to be among the most desirable of national bank notes. During the National Currency era, often the reputation of a bank rested squarely on the shoulders of its founders and officers. Well-known bankers who operated private banking houses prior to becoming part of the national currency system often did not want to change the personal nature of their banking business. Titling the national bank after themselves or their family seemed a logical thing to do, furthering the confidence of the local citizenry, and providing no less an ego trip for the founder. Notes of the private name national banks are highly sought after, especially when they bear at least one signature…
