1 peso 1916
About This Note
This is a 1916 Mexican 1 Peso note issued by the Tesoreria General del Estado of Yucatan, graded VF, representing an important piece of Mexican Revolutionary-era regional currency. The note features exceptional engraved imagery of Mayan pyramidal structures on both front and back, reflecting Yucatan's pre-Hispanic heritage and the state's cultural identity during a period of political upheaval. Despite visible circulation wear including creases and age-related tan discoloration, the fine line engraving remains distinct and the red official seals and serial numbers are clearly legible, making this a historically significant and visually appealing example of Mexican emergency currency.
Common. While this represents a historically significant regional issue from a specific moment in Mexican history (the 1916 Constitutionalist Government period), the Yucatan 1 Peso denominations of this series were produced in sufficient quantities for circulation and are regularly available to collectors. No evidence suggests an exceptionally small print run, early recall, or extreme scarcity for this Pick number. The VF condition grade is typical for these notes as they circulated but were not subjected to heavy wear.
This banknote was issued under the Constitutionalist Government of Yucatan during the Mexican Revolution, specifically authorized by Decree No. 550 of May 23, 1916. The prominent Mayan pyramid imagery—likely depicting Chichen Itza or a similar pre-Hispanic ceremonial center—reflects Yucatan's distinct cultural identity and its historical significance as a center of ancient Mesoamerican civilization. As a state-issued emergency currency during the Revolution, this note exemplifies how regional governments asserted monetary autonomy when national currency circulation was disrupted by civil conflict.
The front features an ornately engraved Mayan pyramid structure—likely the El Castillo (Kukulkan Pyramid) at Chichen Itza, Yucatan's most iconic pre-Hispanic landmark—as the dominant central vignette, symbolizing regional pride and cultural heritage. The design is framed within elaborate decorative borders with fine floral and geometric corner ornaments, typical of high-quality banknote engraving of the period. A banner containing 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' and 'ESTADO DE YUCATAN' appears above the pyramid. The reverse displays an alternative Mayan architectural element—a ceremonial gateway or arched structure—within an ornate oval frame, reinforcing the Mayan theme. Both sides incorporate fine line engraving throughout, denomination numerals and text in the corners, and official red circular seals. The color scheme consists of tan/beige paper with dark gray/black engraving on the front and dark green/teal engraving on the reverse, with red ink used for seals and serial numbers.
FRONT SIDE: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'ESTADO DE YUCATAN' (State of Yucatan) / 'LA TESORERIA GENERAL DEL ESTADO' (The General Treasury of the State) / 'SERIE A' (Series A) / Serial number 'Nº 2728819' / 'Pagará Al Portador' (Will pay to the Bearer) / 'La Cantidad De' (The Amount Of) / 'Merida, Yuc. Mex.' (Merida, Yucatan, Mexico) / 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) / 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) / 'UN PESO ORO NACIONAL' (One National Gold Peso) / 'UNO' (One) / 'PARSONS TRADING CO., NEW YORK' (printer attribution). BACK SIDE: 'GOBIERNO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE YUCATAN' (Constitutionalist Government of Yucatan) / 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULARA CONFORME AL DECRETO Nº550 DE MAYO 23 DE 1916' (This banknote will circulate in accordance with Decree No. 550 of May 23, 1916) / 'UN PESO' (One Peso) / 'ORO' (Gold) / 'UNO' (One).
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for banknotes of this period. The detailed line work, fine parallel hatching in the background, and precise architectural renderings are characteristic of intaglio engraving. The printer attribution 'PARSONS TRADING CO., NEW YORK' appears on the front, indicating this New York-based security printing firm produced the plates and printed the note, a common practice for Mexican regional currency during the Revolution when local printing facilities were disrupted.
This example is identified as Series A (SERIE A), which is the standard designation for this issue. The serial number 2728819 places it within the regular circulation range. No significant varieties beyond normal serial number and series variations are documented for P-S1135. The note exhibits the standard design elements expected for the 1916 Yucatan 1 Peso with no visible overprints or unusual modifications.
