1 peso 1915
About This Note
This is an outstanding example of a 1 peso note issued by the Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa in 1915, graded UNC (Uncirculated). The note features exceptional engraving work with dual portrait medallions flanking an ornate central cartouche, rendered in grayscale with vibrant red serial numbers. The reverse presents an impressive allegorical scene depicting a colonial cityscape with classical female figures and an eagle, all framed by intricate decorative borders—the crisp printing and complete absence of wear make this a premium specimen of this Mexican state currency.
Common. While this represents a specific regional issue from a tumultuous period (Mexican Revolution, 1915), the Series H designation and the serial number 296899 suggest this was part of a standard production run for state currency circulation. No evidence of scarcity (small print run, widespread recall, or short issue period) is apparent from the catalog data or visual characteristics. Revolutionary-era Mexican state notes, though historically significant, were produced in quantities sufficient to serve regional commerce and remain relatively available to collectors today. The UNC condition grade is more notable than the note's inherent rarity.
This banknote was issued during the Mexican Revolution, specifically authorized by decree on February 22, 1915, during a period when regional Mexican states exercised monetary authority independently. The classical allegorical imagery—including the female figures with staffs and the eagle—reflects the revolutionary idealism of the era, while the depicted colonial cityscape on the reverse likely represents an important settlement within Sinaloa. The note's issuance from San Blas, Sinaloa, reflects the decentralized financial conditions of Mexico during the revolution, when central authority was fragmented and individual states issued their own emergency currency.
The obverse features a formal, symmetrical design with two bearded gentlemen in oval portrait medallions, likely representing state officials or prominent political figures of Sinaloa, each crowned with laurel wreaths symbolizing authority and honor. These portraits flank a central ornamental cartouche containing the denomination and issuing authority text. A classical allegorical female figure holding a staff or spear appears on the left side, representing Liberty or Justice. The reverse depicts an elaborate allegorical scene with two classical female figures flanking a central coat of arms or shield of Sinaloa, with an eagle positioned above. The central vignette shows an aerial perspective of a colonial city with grid-pattern streets, various buildings, and mountains or a volcano visible in the distance—likely depicting a major Sinaloan settlement. The entire design is enclosed in ornate geometric and floral border patterns, with four-petaled flower designs adorning the corners. The note employs bearer-on-demand language ('pagará al portador en efectivo'), standard for emergency currency of the period.
FRONT: 'EL ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SINALOA' (The Free and Sovereign State of Sinaloa); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will Pay to the Bearer in Cash); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'SERIE H' (Series H); 'CONFORME AL DECRETO DE FECHA 22 DE FEBRERO 1915' (In Accordance with the Decree dated February 22, 1915); 'SAN BLAS, SIN.' (San Blas, Sinaloa); 'GOBERNADOR CONSTITUCIONAL' (Constitutional Governor); 'SECRETARIO GENERAL' (General Secretary); 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer); 'INTERVENTOR' (Comptroller); Serial number: 'No 296899' (Number 296899). BACK: No inscriptions visible in the detailed analysis provided.
This note was produced using fine line steel engraving, evident from the crisp detail, consistent line work, and precise rendering of portraits, allegorical figures, and architectural elements throughout both sides. The quality of the engraving and the complexity of the vignette work suggest production by a skilled security printer; for this era and type of Mexican state currency, the printer was likely a Mexican or regional facility experienced in banknote production. No specific overprints are visible, indicating this is a standard printing rather than a local overprint on generic stock.
This is Series H as indicated by the 'SERIE H' marking visible on the obverse. The serial number 296899 is specific to this individual specimen. The Pick catalog designation P-S1043c suggests this is part of a cataloged series with multiple varieties likely distinguished by series letter or printer's marks. Without additional known varieties explicitly documented for P-S1043c in standard references, this specimen should be recorded as Series H, serial 296899. Collectors should note the location 'SAN BLAS, SIN.' as a potential variety identifier, as other authorized issuances may exist from different Sinaloan locations or with different series designations.
