1 peso 1914

Common. This is a well-documented issue from the Constitutional Army's 1914 emission, with significant quantities printed for circulation in Chihuahua and surrounding territories. The Pick catalog designation (P-S523a) indicates it is a cataloged standard type rather than a scarce variety. While Revolutionary-era Mexican notes are historically significant, the 1 peso denomination in this series was produced in substantial quantities for everyday commerce, making uncirculated examples available to collectors.

Issued during the height of the Mexican Revolution, this note represents the Constitutional Army's attempt to establish financial legitimacy in Chihuahua under the leadership of Venustiano Carranza. The eagle motif on the obverse symbolizes Mexican sovereignty and national identity, while the liberty cap on the reverse references republican ideals central to the constitutionalist cause. Dated February 12, 1914, these notes were crucial emergency currency as traditional monetary systems collapsed during the conflict.

The obverse features a central vignette of the Mexican national eagle depicted in naturalistic flight with fully spread wings, set against a mountain landscape backdrop, rendered in fine gray engraving on a beige/cream colored field. Ornate decorative borders with scrollwork frame the design. Two circular seals flank the eagle: the left seal represents the 'Tesorero General' (General Treasurer), while the right seal bears the titles 'Jefe del Departamento de Hacienda' (Chief of Treasury Department) and 'Primer Jefe' (First Chief), likely referring to Venustiano Carranza. Series designation 'SERIE A' appears at top. The reverse employs a bold crimson/red color scheme with an elaborate engraved background of ornamental rosette patterns. The central design features a circular medallion containing a Phrygian liberty cap with radiating sunburst lines, enclosed within a rectangular inscriptive frame. Large numerals '1' appear in the bottom corners, with the word 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty) prominently displayed, reinforcing the revolutionary ideological message.

OBVERSE: 'EJERCITO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE MEXICO' (Constitutional Army of Mexico); 'SERIE A' (Series A); '1 PESO' (1 Peso); 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer); 'JEFE DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA' (Chief of the Treasury Department); 'PRIMER JEFE' (First Chief); Serial number '12420268'; 'UNO' (One); 'que la Tesoreria acuerde con el Decreto de 12 de Febrero de 1914 Chihuahua, 30 de Marzo de 1914' (that the Treasury agrees with the Decree of February 12, 1914 Chihuahua, March 30, 1914). REVERSE: 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty); 'BILLETE CIRCULARA DE ACUERDO CON EL DECRETO DE 12 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' (Circulating banknote in agreement with the Decree of February 12, 1914); Large denomination '1' in corners.

Intaglio engraving (relief printing from engraved steel plates), evidenced by the fine line work, detailed shading, and precise rendering of the eagle vignette and ornamental border elements visible in both the obverse and reverse designs. The crisp impression and sharp detail throughout indicate professional security printing typical of legitimate currency production during this period.

This specimen is identified as variety 'a' per Pick number S523a, representing the standard Series A printing. The serial number '12420268' and date of March 30, 1914 (two weeks after the authorizing decree of February 12, 1914) are consistent with early Constitutional Army emissions. No overprints or exceptional varieties are evident. Collectors should note that constitutional army notes exist in multiple series and denominations; this represents the basic 1 peso type.