1 peso 1914
Market Prices
About This Note
This is a 1 Peso banknote from the Banco de San Luis Potosí, issued February 15, 1914, during Mexico's Revolutionary period. The note displays excellent engraving work with an ornate architectural vignette of a classical building labeled 'PAGARÁ' on the front and an allegorical female figure on the reverse. In Fine condition, the note exhibits significant age-related wear including creasing, foxing, and browning throughout the paper, characteristic of a note that has been in circulation for over a century.
Common. While regional Mexican banknotes from the Revolutionary period have collector interest, the Banco de San Luis Potosí issued notes regularly during 1914. The eBay price data shows wide variation ($7.50 to $499.95 for F-grade examples), indicating multiple examples in the market at varying prices. The median F-grade price around $150-$200 is consistent with a common note that remains available to collectors. No evidence suggests this was a limited issue, short-lived series, or subject to recall.
The Banco de San Luis Potosí issued this note during a turbulent period in Mexican history, as evidenced by the formal banking language ('PAGARÁ' - 'Will Pay') and the reference to government intervention ('Interventor del Gobierno'). The classical architectural imagery and heraldic symbols reflect the bank's attempt to project stability and legitimacy during the Mexican Revolution, when regional banks competed for authority and public confidence. The printing by American Book & Printing Co. in Mexico D.F. demonstrates the reliance on foreign printing expertise for security and quality during this era of institutional upheaval.
The obverse features a formal, symmetrical composition with an architectural vignette of a classical multi-story building with colonnade and arches occupying the left side, labeled 'PAGARÁ.' The center displays the bank's name in elaborate ornamental text within decorative flourishes and scrollwork. Flanking a heraldic shield bearing crossed staffs (representing keys or authority symbols) and a crown are two standing male figures in formal period attire and hats, representing allegorical representations of authority or commerce. The reverse displays a classical allegorical female figure—likely representing Liberty, Progress, or Prosperity—positioned within an ornate oval medallion frame, executed in red/pink tones with elaborate decorative borders and heraldic elements.
FRONT: 'SERIE D' (Series D) | 'EL BANCO DE SAN LUIS POTOSÍ' (The Bank of San Luis Potosí) | 'NO 193600' (Number/Serial 193600) | 'PAGARÁ' (Will Pay) | 'SAN LUIS POTOSÍ MEXICO 15 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' (San Luis Potosí Mexico February 15, 1914) | 'A LA VISTA' (At Sight/On Demand) | 'EN EFECTIVO' (In Cash) | 'AL PORTADOR' (To Bearer) | 'UN PESO' (One Peso) | 'Interventor del Gobierno' (Government Interventor) | 'Consejero' (Counselor) | 'AMERICAN BOOK & PRINTING CO MEXICO D.F.' (American Book & Printing Co Mexico D.F.). BACK: 'SOCIEDAD ANONIMA' (Anonymous Society/Corporation) | 'MEXICO' (Mexico)
Engraved intaglio printing, employing fine line engraving techniques throughout. The note was produced by the American Book & Printing Company (Mexico D.F.), a security printer known for high-quality banknote production. The intricate ornamental borders, detailed architectural vignette, and fine linework characteristic of hand-engraved plates are evident in the visual analysis. The multiple color work (red accents on front, red/pink reverse) indicates separate passes for color application, consistent with early 20th-century banknote production standards.
This specimen is identified as Series D, Serial No. 193600, dated February 15, 1914. The series designation (D) indicates this is part of a multi-series printing run. The red serial number and the specific date placement are consistent with documented examples of this Pick number. No overprints or unusual signatures are evident that would distinguish this as a rare variety; it represents a standard emission of the regular 1914 issue.
