1 peso 1959

Common. This 1959 1 Peso note is a regular issue with substantial print runs, as evidenced by the eBay market data showing consistent sales in the $2-4 range for UNC specimens from 2013-2021. Professionally graded examples (PMG 64-67) command higher prices ($9-100), but these reflect grading premiums rather than intrinsic rarity. The catalog value of $2.50 for UNC specimens and the frequent market availability confirm this as a common collectible from a major issue.

Issued on May 20, 1959, this note reflects Mexico's strong connection to its pre-Columbian heritage, prominently featuring the Aztec Calendar Stone as a central design element. The reverse depicts the Independence Monument, commemorating Mexico's struggle for sovereignty. This 1959 issue represents a transitional period in Mexican currency design, balancing nationalist symbolism with modern security printing techniques employed by the American Bank Note Company.

The obverse features the Aztec Sun Stone (also called the Aztec Calendar Stone), a monumental pre-Columbian artifact rendered as a circular central vignette with radiating segments and intricate calendar symbols. This is surrounded by ornate decorative corner frames containing the numeral '1', connected by elaborate scrollwork and geometric patterns. The reverse depicts the Mexican Independence Monument (Monument to Independence/El Ángel), a tall commemorative structure with architectural detailing, again framed by ornamental corner designs. The note includes a circular emblem with Aztec calendar symbolism on the lower left of the reverse. The color scheme employs black ink on multicolor underprint for the obverse and red/carmine for the reverse, typical of the period's security printing standards.

FRONT SIDE: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico) / 'PAGARA A LA VISTA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay on demand to bearer in cash) / 'SERIE 1U' (Series 1U) / 'MEXICO D.F.' (Mexico City) / '20-V-59' (Date: May 20, 1959) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution) / Serial number 'R622198' BACK SIDE: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico) / 'UN PESO' (One Peso) / 'S.A.' (Sociedad Anónima - Corporation) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution)

Intaglio engraving (copperplate/steel engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company (ABNC), as indicated on both sides of the note. The fine line work, complex geometric patterns, intricate scrollwork, and detailed security features visible in the images (fine parallel lines creating texture, deeply engraved calendar symbolism, and ornamental scrollwork) are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing. The multicolor underprint technique visible on the obverse represents the layered security approach standard for currency of this era.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-59f based on the catalog data provided. The visual analysis confirms key identifying features: the presence of 'MEXICO D.F.' text above the date at lower left (distinguishing it from P-56), the series designation 'SERIE 1U' visible on the obverse, and ABNC printing. The PMG population report indicates multiple catalogued varieties (P-59c, P-59e, P-59j, P-59l, P-59s), suggesting print run variations or technical differences across series. The specific series '1U' with the May 20, 1959 date places this clearly within the P-59f classification. The serial number R622198 and red serial number printing are typical for this variety.