10 centavos 1915

Common. While Mexican Revolutionary-era state currency from 1915 can attract specialist collectors, the 10 centavos denomination was produced in substantial quantities by Veracruz authorities to facilitate everyday commerce during the Constitutional period. The Pick catalog listing (P-S1095) indicates this is a documented, catalogued type rather than an exceptional rarity. VF examples appear with reasonable regularity in the collector market, typically valued between $15–40 USD depending on provenance and signature varieties. No evidence suggests this particular variety was recalled, short-printed, or otherwise artificially restricted.

Issued during the Mexican Revolution by the Constitutional Government (Gobierno Constitucionalista), this note represents emergency currency from the state of Veracruz, a critical period when local authorities issued their own denominations. The inscription 'TRANSITORIO' on the reverse denotes this as temporary currency, reflecting the political instability and need for quick currency solutions during the conflict. The eagle and shield imagery anchors the note to Mexican nationalist symbolism, even as the nation underwent dramatic constitutional reorganization.

The obverse features a dignified male portrait in formal period attire, shown in left-facing profile, positioned on the right side of the note. This portrait likely represents a political figure associated with the Constitutional movement, though specific identification would require further historical research. The center-top is dominated by a decorative heraldic shield featuring a geometric star pattern within ornamental borders. Corner designs employ symmetrical geometric ornamentation typical of early 20th-century Mexican banknote design. The reverse displays Mexico's national coat of arms: an eagle with spread wings perched upon a shield containing a cross motif, flanked by denomination numerals. All elements are rendered in a blue-green/teal palette with black line work and white paper, creating the characteristic color scheme of Veracruz Constitutional-era currency. The overall design reflects both nationalist aspirations and the functional emergency-currency requirements of the period.

Front Side: 'GOBIERNO CONSTITUCIONALISTA' (Constitutional Government) — 'VALE' (Worth/Valid) — '10 CENTAVOS' (10 Centavos). Back Side: 'TRANSITORIO' (Temporary/Transitional) — 'SERIE' (Series) — Denomination markers '10' and 'M.' (possibly indicating series or quantity reference). Handwritten marks in purple/red ink appear to be post-issue stamps or signatures, typical of period banking authentication.

This note was produced using intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed portraiture, and precise geometric patterns visible in both the shield designs and corner ornamentation. The sharp contrast between the blue-green ink and white paper, combined with the dimensional quality of the image details, confirms letterpress or engraved plate printing typical of Mexican banknote production circa 1915. The specific printer for Veracruz Constitutional currency during this period would likely be a Mexican security printer, though documentation may be limited given the transitional nature of these issues.

This example exhibits handwritten marks in purple/red ink on the reverse, consistent with period banking endorsements or treasury stamps. Without clear serial number visibility in the visual analysis, specific series identification cannot be confirmed; however, such marks are typical of authenticated or circulated examples from the Veracruz issue. Collectors should note that variations in handwritten authentication marks, signature types, and potential series numbering could distinguish sub-varieties within the P-S1095 designation. A detailed examination of the serial number and signature field would be needed to pinpoint the exact variety within the Veracruz 10 centavos issue.