10 centavos 1915

Scarce. State-issued emergency currency from the Mexican Revolution period, particularly from Sonora under Maytorena's administration, was produced in limited quantities and sees relatively low collector demand compared to federal Mexican currency of the same era. While not exceptionally rare, this denomination and issuing authority combination does not appear with great frequency in the numismatic market. The UNC condition grade further enhances scarcity, as most examples of this 1915 issue would have circulated and show wear. The specific variety with all three signatures present (Maytorena, Ramos, Astiazarán) is particularly desirable among Mexican revolution currency specialists.

This banknote was issued under Decree No. 70 on April 16, 1915, during the Mexican Revolution when state governments like Sonora exercised monetary authority independently from the federal government. The presence of Governor J. M. Maytorena's signature and the official Mexican eagle seal on the reverse reflects Sonora's assertion of sovereignty during this period of constitutional and institutional instability. The note represents an important transitional currency, issued when traditional coinage was scarce and state-issued fractional currency was essential for commerce in northern Mexico.

The note features a symmetrical design with ornamental damask patterns serving as the background on both sides. The obverse (front) prominently displays the denomination '10' with decorative cross ornaments and scrollwork flourishes in the corners and margins. The center of the note bears the primary text asserting Sonora's promise to pay the bearer ten centavos in cash, framed by elaborate decorative borders. The reverse (back) is dominated by a circular seal containing the Mexican eagle and shield, the heraldic symbol of the Mexican Republic, surrounded by inscriptions identifying the issuing authority. Large denomination numerals '10 CTS.' appear symmetrically on both left and right sides of the reverse. The color palette of light cream, light green, and dark brown/black ink creates a sophisticated appearance consistent with official government currency of the period. The overall design reflects late 19th/early 20th century currency aesthetic with emphasis on ornamental security features rather than portraiture.

FRONT: 'EL ESTADO DE SONORA' (The State of Sonora) / 'PAGARÁ...al portador en efectivo' (Will pay...to the bearer in cash) / 'DIEZ CENTAVOS' (Ten Centavos) / 'Decreto No. 70 de 16 de abril 1915' (Decree No. 70 of April 16, 1915) / 'HERMOSILLO, SONORA, MEX.' (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico) / 'EL GOBERNADOR J. M. Maytorena' (The Governor J. M. Maytorena) / 'E. O. M. E. D.' (abbreviation for Enrique O. M. E. D.) / 'Alberto Hugues' (signature) / 'EL TESORERO GRAL. INT. Jesús Ramos' (The General Interior Treasurer Jesús Ramos) / 'INTERVENTOR, Enrique Astiazarán' (Auditor, Enrique Astiazarán) / 'PROVISIONES' (Provisions). BACK: '10 CTS.' (10 Centavos) / 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'DEL ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO' (Of the Free and Sovereign State) / 'IMP. DEL ESTADO' (Printed by the State).

This note was produced using letterpress or intaglio printing techniques, as evidenced by the crisp, well-defined impressions of the ornamental patterns, clear text, and sharp denomination numerals visible in both the visual analysis and the excellent condition of the impressions. The multi-color printing in green and brown/black inks suggests the use of separate printing passes or color separation plates, a standard technique for official currency production of this era. The note was printed by the state printing office ('IMP. DEL ESTADO') as indicated in the inscriptions, rather than by a specialized security printer, reflecting Sonora's independent monetary authority during the revolutionary period.

This is the standard variety of the Estado de Sonora 10 centavos, Pick S1078, issued under Decree No. 70 of April 16, 1915. The specific signatures present are: Governor J. M. Maytorena, Treasurer Jesús Ramos, and Auditor Enrique Astiazarán. Known varieties of this issue may exist with different signature combinations or printing variations, though detailed variety cataloging for this series is limited in standard references. No serial numbers are visible in the visual analysis, suggesting this may be an unissued or specimen note, or serial numbers may be present on portions not captured in the image submission.