1 peso 188.
About This Note
An exceptional UNC example of a 1 peso scrip note issued by Compañía Minera, featuring a beautifully engraved front with a classical allegorical female figure (Minerva) accompanied by an industrial landscape symbolizing Mexico's mining operations. The reverse displays an elegant minimalist design with prominent denomination text and guilloche patterning in green. This historically significant note combines 19th-century artistic engraving with industrial iconography, representing the private mining sector's role in Mexico's economic development during the period of foreign investment.
Uncommon. This is a private mining company scrip note rather than an official government banknote, with the Pick catalog listing it as 'unlisted,' indicating limited documentation in standard references. The specific serial number (H470) and 'Ureachitc' location suggest a limited issue run typical of company currency. However, without clear evidence of an extremely small print run or specific recall status, and given that UNC examples of 19th-century Mexican scrip do appear in the numismatic market, this note is assessed as uncommon rather than rare. The historical significance and quality of engraving make it desirable to specialized collectors of Mexican mining history and industrial-era scrip.
This note was issued by Compañía Minera during Mexico's industrial expansion period, likely late 19th century, when foreign-owned mining companies played a crucial role in the nation's economy. The juxtaposition of Minerva (Roman goddess of wisdom and crafts) with the industrial cityscape on the front reflects the era's celebration of modern industry and technological progress. The 'Ureachitc' location marking suggests this scrip was tied to a specific mining operation, issued as a form of company currency or labor payment common among Mexican mining enterprises of the period.
The obverse features an elaborate engraved composition divided into three distinct zones: the left side presents Minerva in classical drapery, seated with spear and shield, symbolizing wisdom and industrial progress. The center contains an ornate rectangular cartouche with manuscript-style Spanish text. The right side depicts an industrial landscape with multiple factory buildings, smokestacks, and urban development, emphasizing the modern economic sector. A decorative lyre with cross motif appears at the top right. The reverse employs a minimalist approach with a repeating circular guilloche pattern as background texture and large outline lettering displaying the denomination. Both sides feature intricate border ornamentation typical of high-security engraved notes.
FRONT: 'Compañía Minera' (Mining Company); 'Vale al portador á la vista' (Payable to bearer on sight); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'N° H470' (No. H470); 'Ureachitc.' (place of issue/location); '188' (series or year designation). BACK: 'UN PESO' (One Peso).
Steel plate engraving throughout, evidenced by the fine line work, complex cross-hatching in backgrounds, and the precision of the allegorical figure rendering. The security printer is not identified in the catalog data or visible inscriptions. The guilloche patterning on the reverse and intricate border designs are characteristic of professional banknote engraving houses active during the 19th century, likely produced by a specialized currency or security printer serving Mexican mining companies.
Serial number H470 with 'Ureachitc' location designation. The '188' marking may indicate an 1888 date or series number. No signatures are visible in the visual analysis. This unlisted Pick status suggests this particular issue has not been formally catalogued in standard references, making the specific variety designation difficult to determine without access to additional examples or company records. The note should be cross-referenced against mining company records and specialized Mexican scrip catalogs for definitive variety identification.
