I am not sure what is meant by "amazing shape for the year". Just because it's an old note, doesn't mean it has to look older than the guy spending it.
And 20 years ago, a 1937 Gordon-Towers $10 note in mid grade wasn't worth anything. I remember seeing someone spend a 1937 $50 note back at that time. That, too, had little premium at the time, and still isn't worth a whole lot depending on grade.
By shear coincidence, I picked up a $10 Coyne-Towers note too, but mine is a 1954 series Devil's Face note. A friendly cashier gave me that note and 3 Beattie-Coyne DF notes for face value. Seems to be a lot of people spending old money after the holidays! And my notes could also be described as "amazing shape for the year", if that means anything.