10 pesos 1913

Common. While these Sonora state notes are historically significant as Revolutionary-era emergency currency, they were produced in substantial quantities to serve the regional economy. The existence of multiple series (this note is from the 3rd Series with serial number 3935) indicates significant print runs. These notes, though over a century old, remain relatively available to collectors of Mexican Revolutionary currency. The UNC grade is notable but does not substantially elevate rarity, as many examples have been preserved in collections.

This note was issued during the height of the Mexican Revolution under Decree No. 18 by Governor José Ma. Maytorena on August 27, 1913, when the federal government's currency was unreliable and states like Sonora issued their own emergency currency. The mountain landscape vignette symbolizes the state's geographical identity, while the prominent eagle coat of arms reasserts the issuer's legitimacy as part of the Mexican Republic. The 'PROVISIÓN' (provisional) designation reflects the temporary nature of these emissions, which were eventually superseded by federal currency stabilization.

The obverse features a meticulously composed design emphasizing state sovereignty and natural resources. The left-side circular vignette depicts a mountain landscape—likely representing the Sierra Madre or local topography of Sonora—with radiating sunburst lines symbolizing prosperity and enlightenment, printed in green. The right-side circular medallion contains the Mexican national coat of arms (the eagle perched on a cactus with a serpent in its beak), reaffirming federal legitimacy despite state issuance. The overall composition employs an ornate repeating decorative border pattern in pink/rose against a cream background, typical of early 20th-century Mexican security printing. The reverse presents a simplified but bold design with the denomination and issuer name in large green sans-serif typography flanking a central sunburst or flower motif, creating visual balance and emphasis on the state identity.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL ESTADO de SONORA' (The State of Sonora); 'Diez Pesos' (Ten Pesos); '$10.00' (Ten pesos); 'PAGARÁ...PORTADOR - EN - EFECTIVO' (Will pay bearer in cash); 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NUM. 18 DE FECHA 27 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (In accordance with Decree No. 18 dated August 27, 1913); 'Hermosillo, Sonora, México' (place of issuance); 'EL GOBERNADOR, José Ma. Maytorena' (The Governor, José Ma. Maytorena); 'EL O. M. E. DE LA S., Juan Sánchez Azcona' (Official of Ministry - State, Juan Sánchez Azcona); 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer); Serial number 'N° 3935'; 'PROVISIÓN 3ª. SERIE' (Provisional, 3rd Series); 'IMP. DEL ESTADO' (State Printing); 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic); 'ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SONORA' (Free and Sovereign State of Sonora). BACK SIDE: '10 ESTADO 10 DE SONORA' (Ten - State - Ten - Of Sonora).

This note was produced using lithographic printing technology, as evidenced by the smooth color transitions, the precise layering of pink and green inks visible in the visual analysis, and the characteristic ornate decorative patterns typical of lithographic banknote production in the early 1900s. The notation 'IMP. DEL ESTADO' (State Printing) indicates production at the Sonora State Printing Office in Hermosillo. The multi-color lithographic process allowed for the detailed vignettes and security features observed in the ornate patterns and circular medallions.

This is identified as 3rd Series ('3ª. SERIE'), Provisional issue, with serial number 3935. The Pick catalog designation P-S1068c indicates this is variant 'c' within the S1068 classification for Sonora 10 peso notes. Known varieties of Sonora 10 peso emissions include different series, signature combinations (this note bears José Ma. Maytorena as Governor and Juan Sánchez Azcona in an administrative capacity), and potentially different printers or production dates within the August 27, 1913 decree. Collectors should verify series designation and signature combinations when cataloging examples, as these often distinguish individual varieties.