1 peso 1957

Common. The 1957 1 Peso P-59a is a regular issue with substantial circulation. eBay price history shows consistent sales in the $3–$7.50 range for UNC examples, with 2019 catalog values at $4.50 for UNC, confirming this as a readily available note in the collector market. Production volumes were substantial, and the note has been collected for decades, ensuring steady supply.

Issued in 1957 by Banco de México, this note commemorates Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage through the prominent Aztec calendar stone, while the reverse's Independence Monument reflects the nation's revolutionary history and modern identity. The 1950s represented a period of economic stabilization and national pride in Mexico, with currency designs deliberately emphasizing indigenous cultural foundations and patriotic monuments. The ABNC printing from the United States underscores the international banking relationships of the era.

The obverse features the Aztec Sun Stone (also known as the Calendar Stone) as its dominant central vignette—a historically accurate reproduction of the 15th-century artifact with radiating geometric and symbolic patterns characteristic of pre-Columbian calendrical systems. Four corner medallions contain Mexican national eagles, framed by elaborate ornamental borders with floral and geometric elements in classical baroque style. The reverse depicts the Monument to Independence (Monumento a la Independencia), an ornate columnar structure topped with a winged victory figure, the iconic landmark located in Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma. The entire design is executed in fine line engraving with complex cross-hatching, typical of high-security banknote production.

FRONT: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico), 'UN PESO' (One Peso), 'SERIE GA' (Series GA), 'MEXICO, D.F.' (Mexico City), '19-VI-57' (June 19, 1957), 'A LA VISTA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Payable to bearer on demand in cash), 'CONSEJERO' (Counselor), 'INTERVENTOR DE LA COMISARIA BANCARIA' (Comptroller of the Banking Commission), 'CAJERO' (Cashier), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'. BACK: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico), 'UN PESO' (One Peso), 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY'.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company (ABNC), one of the world's premier security printers. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and the use of separate color plates (black and red on front; rose/pink on reverse) are characteristic of professional banknote production. The sharp registration and crisp impression indicate careful plate preparation and high-quality inking.

This note is identified as P-59a based on the presence of 'MEXICO D.F.' text above the date, distinguishing it from P-56. The observed series marking 'SERIE GA' and the ABNC printer attribution are consistent with documented P-59a characteristics. The PMG population report indicates five variants exist (P-59c, P-59e, P-59j, P-59l, P-59s), all printed by ABNC, likely differing in series letters, signatures, or minor design details. The serial number prefix 'Y' and series 'GA' should be noted for variety classification purposes.