1 peso 1961

Common. This note represents a standard regular issue from Mexico's 1961 peso series with significant print runs across multiple series (catalog lists both LC and LD series variants). eBay market data from 2013 shows UNC examples selling for $1.58–$2.08, with 2019 catalog value at $2 for UNC condition. Such modest valuations and consistent market availability indicate high production volumes and wide distribution. No historical evidence of recall or short-lived issuance exists for this Pick number.

Issued during Mexico's post-revolutionary period, this 1961 peso celebrates the nation's indigenous heritage through the prominent Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar Stone) on the obverse, a powerful symbol of pre-Columbian civilization central to Mexican national identity. The reverse features the Independence Monument, connecting the note to Mexico's 1810 independence movement and reinforcing themes of national sovereignty and historical continuity during the stable mid-20th century administrations.

The obverse features the Aztec Sun Stone (also known as the Calendar Stone or Stone of the Fifth Sun) as the dominant central vignette, rendered in fine engraved detail with concentric rings and the characteristic central face motif. This pre-Columbian artifact is surrounded by ornate baroque-style decorative borders and corner medallions containing the numeral '1' with eagle emblems. The color scheme employs black on a multicolor underprint of gray and pink tones with cream/beige accents. The reverse displays Mexico's Independence Monument (Monumento a la Independencia) — the tall ornate column structure with decorative architectural elements characteristic of this iconic Mexico City landmark — rendered predominantly in red/pink tones with white and gray accents, similarly framed by elaborate guilloche patterns and corner ornaments.

FRONT: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico) | 'UN PESO' (One Peso) | 'MEXICO D.F.' (Mexico City) | '8-XI-61' (November 8, 1961 - issue date) | 'SERIE LD' (Series LD) | 'PAGADERIA LA VISTA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Payable to bearer on sight in cash) | 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution) | 'CONSEJERO' (Advisor/Counselor - official signature line) | 'INTERVENTOR DE LA COM. NAC. BANCARIA' (Auditor of the National Banking Commission - official signature line) | 'CAJERO' (Cashier - official signature line). BACK: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico) | 'UN PESO' (One Peso) | 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Intaglio (engraved) printing by American Bank Note Company (ABNC), as indicated by the printer attribution visible on both sides. The fine line engravings, ornate guilloche patterns, decorative scrollwork, and precise baroque flourishes throughout are hallmarks of high-quality intaglio bank note production. The use of multiple color printing (multicolor underprint on obverse, red on reverse) demonstrates advanced photogravure or similar chromatic intaglio techniques typical of ABNC's mid-20th century Mexican currency production.

This example is identified as Pick P-59h, Series LD, issued November 8, 1961 (8-XI-61). The catalog data notes this variety differs from P-56 by the addition of 'MEXICO D.F.' text above the date at lower left. Serial number prefix X616166 with red ink printing. PMG has catalogued at least five variants of the base P-59 Pick number (P-59c, P-59e, P-59h, P-59j, P-59l, P-59s), likely differentiated by printer state, series designation (LC vs. LD), or signature variations. This particular specimen represents the LD series variant with ABNC printing.