10 pesos 1913
About This Note
This is a historically significant 10 pesos note issued by the Estado de Sonora in Hermosillo during the Mexican Revolution period of 1913. The note features an attractive rose-pink color scheme with a central sunburst motif on the obverse and the Mexican eagle seal, signed by Governor José Ma. Maytorena and Comptroller Juan Sánchez Azcona. In Fair condition, the note shows expected wear from circulation including creases, folds, and foxing throughout, which is typical for notes over a century old from this tumultuous period.
Common. This note represents a standard issue from the Estado de Sonora's 1913 emergency currency series. While Mexican state notes from the Revolutionary period are collected and have historical significance, this denomination and issuer were produced in sufficient quantities for general circulation in Sonora. The Pick catalog listing as P-S1068a indicates it is a recognized, cataloged variety rather than an extreme rarity. Notes from state governments during this period, though no longer in use and over 100 years old, are regularly available to collectors at moderate prices. The Fair condition grade is typical for surviving examples and does not significantly impact common-grade pricing.
This banknote was issued under Decree Number 13 dated August 27, 1913, during the height of the Mexican Revolution when regional governments were asserting financial independence. The prominent signature of José Ma. Maytorena, Governor of Sonora, reflects the state's autonomous monetary authority during a period when central government control was fragmented. The sunburst and Mexican eagle imagery emphasize both state pride and connection to the Mexican Republic during a time of significant political upheaval.
The obverse displays a well-balanced classical design with denomination markers '$10.00' in all four corners. The left side features a prominent sunburst or radiating sun design, a common Revolutionary-era motif symbolizing enlightenment and new beginnings. The right side contains a circular seal featuring the Mexican eagle (águila) with shield, representing the República Mexicana and national authority. The center is dominated by official text arranged vertically, including the state authority declaration and the signatures of Governor Maytorena and Comptroller Azcona. The reverse is simpler in composition, with large denomination numerals '10' flanking centered text identifying the issuer, and decorative scrollwork in all four corners with a centered sunburst element below the main text. The overall color scheme of rose-pink with dark green/black printing creates a warm, distinctive appearance characteristic of Mexican state emissions from this period.
FRONT SIDE: 'EL ESTADO de SONORA' (The State of Sonora) / 'DIEZ PESOS' (Ten Pesos) / '$10.00' (Ten Pesos in numerical form) / 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR - EN - EFECTIVO' (Will Pay to Bearer - in Cash) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NUM. 13 DE FECHA 27 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (In Accordance with Decree Number 13 dated August 27, 1913) / 'Hermosillo, Sonora, México' (City and State of issue) / 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) / 'José Ma. Maytorena' (Governor's Signature) / 'EL CONT.E. DE LA TRIA. GRAL.' (The General Comptroller) / 'Juan Sánchez Azcona' (Comptroller's Signature) / 'PROVISIÓN AL ESTADO' (State Provision) / 'No. 6944' (Serial Number) / 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'IMF. DEL ESTADO' (State Printing House). BACK SIDE: 'ESTADO DE SONORA' (State of Sonora) / '10' (Denomination numeral appearing on both left and right sides).
This note was produced using letterpress and engraved intaglio printing techniques, typical of early 20th-century banknote production. The fine guilloche pattern background, ornamental borders, and detailed scrollwork designs are characteristic of intaglio engraving used for security and aesthetic purposes. The note was printed at 'IMF. DEL ESTADO' (the State Printing House) as indicated on the face. The multi-color printing (pink base with dark green/black overprinting) was accomplished through multiple passes through the printing press, a standard method for the era.
This note is cataloged as Pick P-S1068a, indicating it is the primary variety of the 10 pesos 1913 Sonora issue. The serial number visible on this example is No. 6944. Varieties of Sonora notes from this series may exist based on serial number ranges or minor signature variations, though the two principal signatures shown (Maytorena and Azcona) appear consistent with the standard issue. The specific decree date of August 27, 1913, and the authorization reference appear uniform across this emission. Collectors should verify against Pick's Mexican Currency catalog for any documented sub-varieties (such as P-S1068b or later printings with different administrative officials).
