1 peso 1914
Market Prices
About This Note
This 1 peso note from Banco de Querétaro dated January 1, 1914, represents an important early Mexican state bank issue during the Revolutionary period. The note exhibits genuine circulation wear with visible creases, foxing, and aged yellowing consistent with its VG grade, yet retains clear engraved detail work including the distinctive architectural medallion on the obverse and the central eagle emblem on the reverse. The inclusion of American Bank Note Company printing and Series A designation adds to its historical appeal for collectors of Mexican revolutionary-era currency.
Common. eBay market data shows multiple sales across all grade levels ranging from $7.50 USD (circulated) to approximately $70-$202 USD (Fine to VF grades), with numerous listings at modest prices under $75 USD. The consistent availability and moderate pricing across various grade levels indicate substantial original circulation and print run. State bank issues from 1914 Mexico, while historically significant, were produced in sufficient quantities to remain readily available in the modern collector market.
Issued during the turbulent Mexican Revolution, this Banco de Querétaro note reflects the period when state banks maintained limited note-issuing authority before centralization under the Banco de México. The depiction of classical Mexican symbolism—the architectural structure with radiating sunburst on the obverse and the spread-winged eagle on the reverse—embodied nationalist imagery during a time of political fragmentation. The note's formal promise to pay 'at par in cash' demonstrates the bank's attempt to maintain confidence in its currency despite the broader economic instability of 1914.
The obverse features an ornate design with classical Mexican iconography centered on a large oval medallion depicting an architectural structure with Corinthian columns and a radiant sunburst motif, symbolizing Mexican progress and enlightenment. To the right is a circular vignette illustrating a rural scene with mounted figures and mountainous terrain, evoking Mexico's territorial and agrarian character. The reverse displays a prominent central eagle emblem with spread wings in a circular medallion, flanked by heraldic shields bearing Mexican coat of arms designs, emphasizing national sovereignty. The note is framed by intricate geometric and floral border patterns throughout, with fine line engraving providing security through complexity. Both sides employ black and tan coloring on aged paper, with dual printer attributions indicating production by American Bank Note Company (obverse) and American Book & Printing Company (reverse), a common division of labor for Mexican bank notes of this period.
FRONT SIDE: 'UN PESO' (One Peso) — 'BANCO DE QUERÉTARO' (Bank of Querétaro) — 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR A LA VISTA. A LA PAR EN EFECTIVO' (Payable to bearer on sight. At par in cash) — 'QUERÉTARO, 1 de Enero 1914' (Querétaro, January 1, 1914) — 'SERIE A' (Series A) — 'INTERVENTOR DEL GOBIERNO' (Government Interventor) — 'GERENTE' (Manager) — 'CONSEJERO' (Counselor) — Serial number: '050542' — 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. MEXICO D.F.' (American Bank Note Company, Mexico City). BACK SIDE: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) — 'DEL PUEBLO SOBERANO' (Of the Sovereign People) — 'AMERICAN BOOK & PRINTING CO. MEXICO D.F.' (American Book & Printing Company, Mexico City).
Intaglio/engraving process, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate border patterns, and detailed vignettes observable throughout both sides. The note was produced through a divided printing arrangement typical of major Mexican issues: American Bank Note Company of Mexico City handled the obverse design and printing, while American Book & Printing Company of Mexico City produced the reverse. This dual-printer attribution was characteristic of high-security banknote production in early 20th-century Mexico.
This note is identified as Pick S397a (Series A), with the 'a' designation indicating this is the first documented variety of the 1 peso Banco de Querétaro 1914 issue. The Series A designation is visible on the obverse. The serial number observed is 050542. Known varieties for this Pick number may exist with different series designations (B, C, etc.) or signature combinations for the three required signatories (Government Interventor, Manager, and Counselor), though such variants would represent different catalog entries under Pick's system.
