1 peso 1914

Common. While state-issued Mexican revolutionary currency possesses historical significance, the Estado de Chihuahua issued substantial quantities of multiple denominations between 1913-1915. This 1 peso denomination in VF condition appears regularly in numismatic commerce at modest valuations ($15-40 USD depending on signature variety and serial number characteristics). The note's availability and lack of evidence of small print runs or recalls indicate standard production levels for emergency wartime currency.

Issued under military decree by the Estado de Chihuahua during the height of the Mexican Revolution, this banknote represents the state's assertion of financial authority amid federal collapse. The inscription 'CONFORME AL DECRETO MILITAR DEL 6 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' directly references the military authorization for this emergency currency, reflecting the revolutionary government's need to maintain economic functions. The neoclassical building depicted on the reverse symbolizes governmental legitimacy and institutional continuity during a period when state governments issued their own currency due to disrupted federal banking systems.

This banknote exemplifies early 20th-century Mexican civic engraving with sophisticated symmetrical composition. The obverse features two bearded male figures in formal period dress positioned in circular medallions flanking the central text block—likely representing state officials or historical figures of significance to Chihuahua. The reverse presents a detailed architectural vignette of a multi-story neoclassical government building (possibly the Chihuahua State Treasury or Palacio de Gobierno) rendered in fine line engraving, with gathered crowds suggesting public gathering or civic importance. Corner ornaments display heraldic eagles and denomination numerals '1', while ornate borders with repetitive geometric and floral patterns frame all design elements. The color scheme employs blue as the primary ink with black text and red overprinted serial numbers and administrative stamps, typical of Mexican revolutionary-period emergency currency.

FRONT: 'ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (State of Chihuahua) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay the bearer in cash) / 'UN PESO' (One peso) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO MILITAR' (In accordance with military decree) / 'DEL 6 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' (Of February 6, 1914) / 'CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO' (Location designation) / 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer - signature line) / 'GOBERNADOR' (Governor - signature line) / 'INTERVENTOR' (Auditor/Inspector - signature line) / Serial number: 60182150. BACK: 'UN PESO' (One peso) / 'CK-J' (Printer or series identifier mark).

Intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, detailed architectural rendering, and characteristic crisp detail in ornamental borders and portrait medallions. The red overprinted serial numbers and administrative marks appear to have been applied separately, likely through lithography or rubber stamp impression after primary plate printing. The 'CK-J' marking on the reverse may indicate the engraving house or printer's identifier; based on Mexican banknote production of this era, this could relate to established security printers such as those used by state governments during the Revolution.

This specific variety is identifiable by: (1) the February 6, 1914 decree date, distinguishing it from earlier or later Chihuahua emissions; (2) serial number 60182150 with red overprint; (3) the three handwritten signature lines for Tesorero General, Gobernador, and Interventor; (4) the 'CK-J' printer identification on reverse. Known varieties of Chihuahua 1 peso notes from 1914 typically include variations in signature authorities, serial number formatting, and minor design plate differences. Pick catalog P-S529 encompasses the standard design type, though specific signature combinations and serial ranges may constitute recognized sub-varieties among advanced collectors.