1 peso 1915
About This Note
A scarce Estado de Sonora one peso note from January 19, 1915, printed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The note features ornate engraved design with dual portrait medallions of formal gentlemen on the obverse and the Mexican national coat of arms (eagle on cactus) on the reverse, rendered in black/red on the front and green on the back. Despite visible age-related foxing and patination consistent with a 1915 issue, the note retains good structural integrity and displays the crisp engraving characteristic of professional security printing from this tumultuous period of Mexican history.
Uncommon. The Estado de Sonora emergency currency issues of 1913-1915 were produced in limited quantities compared to central government notes, and survival rates for this specific denomination and date are modest. The Pick catalog listing (P-S1071) indicates this as a specialized regional issue. While not extremely rare, these notes typically trade in the $30-75 range for circulated specimens in international markets, with uncirculated examples commanding premiums. The UNC grade and clear serial number visibility enhance collectibility, though age-related foxing is expected for the period.
This note was issued during the height of the Mexican Revolution under Decree Number 13 of August 27, 1913, when the Estado de Sonora exercised monetary authority as a quasi-independent entity. The inclusion of the Mexican national coat of arms alongside state-specific imagery reflects the complex federalist tensions of the period, while the American Bank Note Company credit demonstrates the reliance on foreign security printers for legitimacy. The January 1915 date places this issue during a period of intense regional conflict when state governments issued their own currency to maintain economic function amid central government collapse.
The obverse presents a classical banknote design with symmetrical layout: two portrait medallions in circular frames flank a central ornamental shield bearing 'UNO' with floral motifs. Both portrayed figures are unidentified gentlemen in formal 19th-century attire with prominent mustaches, likely representing state officials (possibly the Governor and Treasurer given the signature lines). The design employs elaborate scrollwork borders, heart-shaped corner ornaments, and dual coat of arms emblems positioned alongside the central shield. The reverse features Mexico's national heraldic emblem—an eagle with wings spread, perched upon a cactus—centered between two identical denomination shields. Fine cross-hatching and engraved line work throughout provides anti-counterfeiting security. The color scheme transitions from black/red on the obverse to green/red on the reverse against aged cream paper.
FRONT SIDE: 'EL ESTADO DE SONORA' (The State of Sonora); 'HERMOSILLO, SONORA' (Hermosillo, Sonora); 'MÉXICO, ENERO 19 DE 1915' (Mexico, January 19, 1915); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay the bearer in cash); 'UNO' (One); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NÚMERO 13 DE FECHA 27 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (In accordance with Decree Number 13 dated August 27, 1913); 'SERIE' (Series); 'GOBERNADOR' (Governor); 'TESORERO GRAL' (General Treasurer); 'INTERVENTOR' (Comptroller); Serial number '41567'; Series letter 'G'. BACK SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic); 'ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SONORA' (Free and Sovereign State of Sonora); 'ESTADO DE SONORA' (State of Sonora); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'UNO' (One); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK' (American Bank Note Company, New York); Reference number '2925'.
Intaglio (steel/copper plate engraving), executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York as credited on the reverse. The fine line work, cross-hatching patterns, and the depth and consistency of impression visible in the ornamental borders are characteristic of professional intaglio security printing. The multiple color application (black, red, and green) indicates sequential printing passes typical of this era's banknote production.
Series letter 'G' is noted on this specimen. Sonora notes are known to have been issued in multiple series. The specific serial number 41567 and reference number 2925 indicate this particular plate and production batch. Varieties may exist related to signature variants (Governor, Treasurer, Comptroller), series letters, and serial ranges, though comprehensive variety catalogs for this regional issue are limited. The American Bank Note Company credit and professional printing suggest this represents a standard variety of the 1915 issue rather than an emergency overprint or reissue variant.
