1 peso 1914

Common. While this note is from the Mexican Revolution period and represents an important historical issue, the Saltillo 1 peso notes of January 1914 (Pick S645) were issued in sufficient quantities for regional circulation and are regularly encountered in collections of Mexican revolutionary currency. No evidence of extremely limited print runs, forced recalls, or severe scarcity exists for this particular Pick number. The Fair condition grade and presence of the common Series B-E designation further indicate this was a standard issue rather than a scarce variety.

Issued on January 27, 1914, during the Mexican Revolution, this note represents a critical moment when the Constitutionalist faction controlled Coahuila and issued emergency currency. The inscription 'ESTE BILLETE ES DE CIRCULACION FORZOSA EN TODO EL ESTADO' (This banknote is of forced circulation throughout the entire state) reflects the chaotic monetary conditions of the era, when regional authorities issued their own currency due to the collapse of central authority. The architectural landmark depicted on the reverse likely represents an important industrial or governmental facility in Coahuila, symbolizing the state's economic resources and sovereignty during this fractured period.

The obverse displays the Mexican National Emblem — the eagle with spread wings (Águila Mexicana) — as the central focal point, rendered in fine engraved line work. The eagle is flanked by ornamental borders featuring repeating circular chain-like patterns that provide security and aesthetic framing. Dollar sign symbols ($) appear in circular cartouches at the top right and bottom left corners, reflecting the note's monetary function. Serial number 40153 is printed in red ink. The reverse features an oval-framed engraving of an institutional or industrial complex set within a landscape, possibly depicting a mining operation, manufacturing facility, or governmental building of significance to Coahuila's economy. This landmark is similarly framed by ornamental circular borders. The overall design demonstrates the high-quality engraving standards typical of Mexican revolutionary-era state currency.

FRONT SIDE: 'LA TESORERIA DE LA FEDERACION PAGARA UN PESO en moneda de plata al Portador A LA VISTA' (The Federal Treasury will pay one peso in silver currency to the bearer on demand) | 'EL JEFE DE LAS ARMAS DEL CUNO MEXICANO' (The Chief of Arms of the Mexican Mint) | 'EL JEFE DE HACIENDA' (The Chief of Treasury) | 'SALTILLO, COAH. ENERO 27 DE 1914' (Saltillo, Coahuila, January 27, 1914) | 'EL GOBERNADOR DEL ESTADO' (The Governor of the State) | 'Serie B-E' (Series B-E) | Serial number: 40153. BACK SIDE: 'ESTE BILLETE ES DE CIRCULACION FORZOSA EN TODO EL ESTADO' (This banknote is of forced circulation throughout the entire state) | 'SALTILLO, COAH. ENERO 27 DE 1914' (Saltillo, Coahuila, January 27, 1914).

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this period. The fine detail work visible in the eagle imagery, ornamental borders, and architectural landscape engraving is characteristic of traditional intaglio processes. Red and blue inks were applied in separate passes for the obverse and reverse respectively, indicating multi-color intaglio printing. The printer for Saltillo state emergency currency of this period was typically handled by local or regional facilities under governmental supervision, though specific attribution would require additional documentation.

This example is identified as Series B-E with serial number 40153. Known varieties for Pick S645 include different series designations (A, B, C, etc.). The date January 27, 1914, is consistent with the initial Saltillo treasury emissions. Minor variations may exist in signature blocks and series letters, but the core design remained consistent across the issue. No overprints or significant modifications are visible on this specimen.