1 peso 1914
About This Note
This is an attractive example of a 1914 Mexican Provisional Government banknote issued in Veracruz, graded AU with excellent preservation. The note features classical allegorical imagery on the obverse—including a seated female figure representing Constitución and a dramatic central eagle vignette—rendered in fine engraved detail with black, gray, and red inks on a tan background. The reverse displays an ornate sunburst medallion design characteristic of Mexican currency from this tumultuous constitutional period, and the overall crispness of the printing and absence of significant wear make this a desirable example of this historically significant emission.
Common. While the Gobierno Provisional de México Veracruz issue of 1914-1915 represents an interesting historical emission from Mexico's Constitutional Revolution period, the 1 peso denomination was produced in significant quantities and survives in reasonable numbers in the collector market. The AU condition grade is nice but not exceptional for this series. Absent specific information about exceptionally low print runs for this particular series letter (Serie A) or serial number range, and given that similar examples appear regularly in numismatic commerce, this note should be classified as common within its type, albeit a desirable historical example.
Issued by the Gobierno Provisional de México in Veracruz on February 5, 1915, this note represents the transitional Mexican currency during the Constitutional Revolution. The imagery—particularly the prominent eagle and allegorical figure of Constitución—reflects the revolutionary government's emphasis on constitutional legitimacy and national identity during a period of political fragmentation. The February 1915 date places this issue during Venustiano Carranza's provisional government's consolidation of control, when multiple regional authorities were issuing currency with varying degrees of official sanction.
The obverse displays a formal classical composition with an allegorical female figure (Constitución) seated on the left in flowing robes beside a classical column, symbolizing constitutional order and national sovereignty. The central focal point is an impressive eagle with spread wings perched over a mountainous landscape with water and vegetation, evoking Mexico's natural grandeur and national emblem. The reverse features a geometric sunburst pattern radiating from a central circular medallion, surrounded by ornate wreaths and scrollwork, with four-lobed star-shaped corner ornaments repeated around the margins. Both sides employ intricate decorative borders with corner medallions and interlocking design elements typical of high-security currency engraving of the period.
FRONT: 'Gobierno Provisional de México' (Provisional Government of Mexico); 'Veracruz, Febrero 5 de 1915' (Veracruz, February 5, 1915); Serial number '24629795'; 'Serie A' (Series A); 'Constitución 1914' (Constitution 1914); 'México' (Mexico); 'El Tesorero General' (The General Treasurer); 'La Tesorería recibirá y pagará este billete de acuerdo con el Decreto de 19 de Septiembre de 1914' (The Treasury will receive and pay this note in accordance with the decree of September 19, 1914); 'México Oficina del Gobierno' (Mexico Government Office); 'A.O. del Srío. El S.S.' (At the order of the Secretary, respectfully). BACK: 'República Mexicana' (Mexican Republic); 'Este billete será de acuerdo con el Decreto de 19 de Septiembre de 1914' (This note will be in accordance with the decree of September 19, 1914).
Steel engraving (intaglio) on the obverse and reverse, executed with exceptional fine-line detail work characteristic of security printing from this era. The note employs a polychromatic approach utilizing black, gray, and red inks on tan/cream paper, with the colored serial numbers and numerical denominations added separately. The complexity of the engraved border work, allegorical figures, and radiating sunburst pattern indicate production by a specialized security printer; Mexican Revolutionary-era notes from this issuer were often produced by the American Bank Note Company or similar firms capable of executing such detailed intaglio work.
Serie A designation is noted; this series letter is standard for the 1914-1915 Veracruz provisional emissions. The serial number 24629795 places this note within the regular production sequence. The date 'Febrero 5 de 1915' on the note (distinct from the catalog year 1914) reflects the actual issue date in Veracruz and may represent a minor variety marker within the broader 1914 provisional government emissions, though no major varieties have been formally catalogued for this Pick number in standard references.
