$10 National Currency 1902-PB Ch#10188 - 1st NB, Herminie, PA - PMG 15

PMG 15 - Minor Rust

Located in Westmoreland County southeast of Pittsburgh, Herminie began as a mining town with the Ocean No. 1 Mine of the Ocean Coal Company opening in 1893.  The company’s president Charles Berwind named the town after his wife Herminie.  The town was the scene of two major coal strikes in the early 20th century with the second of those in 1922 resulted in the recognition of the United Mine Workers union.  The Ocean No. 1 Mine closed in 1938 due to water issues but other mines are still active in the area.  The town is now part of the larger Sewickley Township.  The First National Bank of Herminie is the only issuing bank in the town, chartered in 1912 and surviving the era.  THIS NOTE IS 1 OF ONLY 2 LARGE NOTES REPORTED FOR THE BANK IN THE CENSUS, along with another $10 1902 Plain Back which sold for $3,450 in Heritage in 2005.  The bank also only reports 7 small notes.