1 peso 1914

Common. This note represents a standard circulation issue from the Gobierno Provisional de Mexico's 1916 series with production runs typical of provisional government currency. Series L, with serial numbers in the 1.2 million range, indicates substantial printing. While historically significant as revolutionary-period currency, these notes were produced in sufficient quantities for regular circulation, and surviving examples are readily available to collectors. The AU condition grade is desirable but not exceptionally scarce for this issue.

This note was issued during Mexico's turbulent Revolutionary period (1910-1920) by the Provisional Government, as indicated by the inscription referencing the April 3, 1916 decree authorizing its circulation. The imagery reflects nationalist symbolism central to the revolutionary movement: the Mexican eagle representing national sovereignty, the Liberty figure symbolizing the revolutionary ideals of freedom and reform, and the prominent depiction of Popocatépetl—Mexico's iconic volcano—reinforcing connection to Mexican territory and heritage. Such provisional government issues were transitional currency necessitated by political instability and the collapse of centralized financial authority during the armed conflict.

The obverse features the Mexican national eagle (Águila Mexicana) as the dominant central vignette, enclosed within an elegant oval cartouche with a mountainous landscape background, flanked by allegorical figures representing Liberty on the left (rendered as a robed female figure) and an ornate heraldic shield with cross emblem on the right. The design is framed by elaborate ornamental borders incorporating scrollwork and geometric patterns in green and black. The reverse displays a striking sun-rising-over-mountain design centered on Popocatépetl volcano depicted as a prominent peak with radiating sun rays emanating outward in concentric circles, symbolizing national renewal and the breaking dawn of the revolutionary era. Ornamental floral shield designs appear on both sides of the central medallion, with the Mexican national seal visible in the upper portion. The overall composition emphasizes nationalist iconography appropriate to the revolutionary government's messaging.

FRONT SIDE: 'GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL DE MEXICO' (Provisional Government of Mexico) / 'MEXICO 19 DE MAYO DE 1916' (Mexico May 19, 1916) / 'SERIE L' (Series L) / 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) / Serial numbers: N°1252874 and N°1252879. BACK SIDE: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULARA CONFORME AL DECRETO DE 3 DE ABRIL DE 1916' (This banknote will circulate in accordance with the Decree of April 3, 1916).

Steel plate engraving (intaglio printing), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, concentric circle details, and the dimensional quality of the ornamental borders visible throughout both sides. The red serial numbers and potential overprints suggest additional letterpress application. This note was likely produced by a Mexican or international security printer experienced in revolutionary-period banknote production; the technical quality and complexity of the engraving indicates professional bank note manufacture rather than emergency provisional printing.

This example is from Series L with serial number N°1252874 (upper) and N°1252879 (lower), dated May 19, 1916, with the issuing authority attribution to 'EL TESORERO GENERAL.' Known varieties of this Pick P-S709 include different series designations (Series A through L documented) and signature variations of the General Treasurer. The presence of both red serial numbers and the specific series letter L should be noted when cataloging. No major printing errors or unusual overprints are evident on this specimen.