Long before Roswell, long before Betty & Barney, and way before Close Encounters, there was a more important alien spaceship arrival in the US: It was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during the 19th century, in a borough subsequently named Mars. The Martian visitors built a railroad, constructed a battleship, and printed paper money! All of this, of course, has little to do with interplanetary invaders, and is instead drawn from parallels with the true history of the lovely Mars, PA, whose citizens have revealed themselves to have quite the sense of humor regarding the name of their municipality.

The National Currency banknote I have on offer is a collectible series 1929 $10 note, Type 1, drawn on the early 20th century financial holdings of the Mars National Bank of Mars, Pennsylvania (later acquired by NexTier Bank), with issued charter# 5599, and a nice low serial# of 86. This specimen is well but evenly circulated, with both vertical and horizontal folds, yet retains surprising definition left in the paper, and no tears or pinholes. I would grade it as Fine. A compelling acquisition for banknote collectors who have lived in the borough, or who, like me, chase Nationals with novel bank names. Since we’ll all be living on Mars in 10 years, it might be a good idea to have one of these puppies at your disposal.