1 peso 1915
About This Note
An attractive AU example of a 1 peso note issued by the Tesoreira General del Estado de Oaxaca in 1915, featuring the Mexican national eagle emblem in a circular frame on the obverse and a formal portrait of a military-dressed dignitary on the reverse. The note displays the characteristic pale yellow-green background with red and green ornamental elements typical of early 20th-century Mexican state currency, though visible creasing, foxing, and age-related patina are consistent with its historical provenance and expected wear for a 108+ year-old banknote.
Common. While state-issued emergency currency from Mexico during the Revolution is of historical interest, this particular note from Oaxaca's General Treasury appears to have been issued in sufficient quantities that examples regularly appear in the numismatic market. The AU condition grade, combined with the lack of documented rarity in standard catalogs for this Pick number, suggests this is a readily available example for collectors interested in Mexican revolutionary-era notes.
This note was issued during a turbulent period of Mexican history, specifically during the Mexican Revolution and its immediate aftermath. The decree referenced on the reverse (Decree No. 5 of July 10, 1913) reflects the Oaxaca state government's emergency financial measures to maintain circulation within its territory. The formal military-dressed portrait on the reverse and the state treasury's seal underscore the authority and legitimacy the issuer sought to project during a period of significant political and economic instability.
The obverse features the Mexican national coat of arms—an eagle with spread wings displayed within a circular engraved frame—positioned prominently on the left side of the note, symbolizing Mexican sovereignty and national identity. The denomination 'UN PESO' is prominently displayed in the center. The reverse presents a formal three-quarter profile portrait of an individual dressed in a military-style coat facing left, positioned on the left side of the note, likely representing a state official or military leader of significance during the 1913 period. A red decorative seal or coat of arms stamp appears in the center-right area, serving as an official endorsement of the issuing authority. Both sides employ ornamental red and green border patterns and scrollwork, characteristic of the artistic engraving style employed by the printer, Tipografía Artística de Julián S. Soto of Oaxaca.
FRONT: 'SERIE P' (Series P); '611153' (Serial number); 'La Tesorería General del ESTADO DE OAXACA' (The General Treasury of the State of Oaxaca); 'UN PESO' (One Peso); 'OAXACA DE JUAREZ, 10 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (Oaxaca de Juarez, August 10, 1913); 'al portador en efectivo pagará' (will pay in cash to the bearer); 'El Tesorero' (The Treasurer); 'El Contador' (The Accountant); 'TIPOGRAFIA ARTISTICA DE JULIAN S. SOTO. OAXACA' (Artistic Typography by Julian S. Soto. Oaxaca). BACK: 'Este título de crédito es de circulación forzosa y tiene poder liberatorio ilimitado dentro del territorio del Estado de Oaxaca.' (This credit instrument is of forced circulation and has unlimited liberatory power within the territory of the State of Oaxaca); 'Decreto No. 5 del 10 de Julio de 1913.' (Decree No. 5 of July 10, 1913); 'TESORERIA GENERAL DEL ESTADO DE OAXACA' (General Treasury of the State of Oaxaca).
Intaglio engraving (copperplate printing), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate detail in the portraits, and the characteristic depth and precision visible in the ornamental patterns and security elements. The work was executed by Tipografía Artística de Julián S. Soto, a local Oaxaca printer, as noted on the obverse. The engraved design served as both an aesthetic element and a security measure against counterfeiting during this period.
This example is identified as Series P with serial number 611153. The visual analysis shows no overprints, significant re-denominations, or other alterations. The date printed on the note (August 10, 1913) conflicts slightly with the stated catalog year of 1915, indicating this may represent an earlier emission or printing batch. Collectors should note series letters and serial number ranges as potential variety markers, though without access to comprehensive population data for this specific Pick number, the full extent of documented varieties cannot be definitively stated. The signature blocks for 'El Tesorero' (The Treasurer) and 'El Contador' (The Accountant) appear present but are not legibly filled in from the visual analysis.
