10 pesos 1914

Common. The Ejercito Constitucionalista de Mexico issued banknotes in substantial quantities during 1914 to finance military operations, and the 10 Pesos denomination was a standard circulating value. While revolutionary currency from this period is collectible, it was not produced in extremely limited quantities, and multiple examples survive in collections. The VF grade enhances desirability, but the note itself represents a common type within Mexican revolutionary currency collecting rather than a scarce or rare issue.

This banknote represents the monetary authority of the Constitutionalist Army during the Mexican Revolution, issued from Chihuahua on March 30, 1914, following a February 15 decree establishing the Treasury's authority to issue currency. The Mexican eagle and 'LIBERTAD' symbolism directly reflect the constitutional and nationalist ideals of the Constitutionalist faction, which opposed the Huerta regime and ultimately prevailed in the revolution. The note's prominence of the national eagle and liberty symbolism underscores the movement's claim to legitimate governmental succession and revolutionary legitimacy.

The obverse features a meticulously engraved Mexican national eagle (águila mexicana) with fully spread wings as the central focal point, positioned above a stylized mountain landscape background. The eagle is flanked by ornate corner ornaments containing the numeral '10' and surrounded by a decorative scalloped border with fine line patterns. The issuing authority's circular seal reading 'EJERCITO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE MEXICO' is positioned on the right side, with the serial number 78746 printed in red on both left and right margins and 'SERIE C' designating the series. The reverse displays a prominent radiant sunburst medallion in the center containing the word 'LIBERTAD,' symbolizing the constitutional ideals of the revolutionary government. This central medallion is framed within a circular border and surrounded by the same ornamental corner designs and scalloped border as the obverse, with 'DIEZ PESOS' repeated in the upper corners. The denomination appears in both numeral and word form throughout the design.

FRONT SIDE: 'SERIE C' (Series C); 'EJERCITO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE MEXICO' (Constitutional Army of Mexico); Serial number '78746'; 'DIEZ PESOS' (Ten Pesos); 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer); 'JEFE DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA' (Chief of the Treasury Department); 'que la Tesoreria recibida y pagara de acuerdo con el decreto de 15 de Febrero de 1914 Chihuahua, 30 de Marzo de 1914' (which the Treasury will receive and pay in accordance with the decree of February 15, 1914 Chihuahua, March 30, 1914); 'PRIMER' (First). REVERSE SIDE: 'DIEZ PESOS' (Ten Pesos); 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty); 'ESTAMPILLA EN CIRCULACION DE 12 DE FE[BRERO]' (Stamp in circulation of February 12); 'CIRCULARA DE EL DECRETO [FE]BRERO DE 1914' (In circulation in accordance with the decree of February 1914).

This note was produced using intaglio engraving (recess printing), evidenced by the fine line work, intricate decorative patterns, sharp detail in the central eagle and sunburst designs, and the crisp registration of all typographic elements visible in the images. The consistent ink density and refined execution of ornamental borders suggest production by a professional security printer experienced in banknote production. The printing quality and security features (fine line borders, complex background patterns, and multiple decorative elements) are consistent with early 20th-century banknote printing standards, though specific printer attribution for Constitutionalist currency would require archival documentation.

This note is identified as Pick catalog number P-S525a, representing Series C. The serial number 78746 in red ink indicates this is within the standard production range. Varieties of this issue are primarily distinguished by series designation (Series A, B, C, etc.) and corresponding serial number ranges. This particular example bears 'SERIE C' designation, which should be cross-referenced against Pick catalog records to determine if this represents a specific recognized variety within P-S525a. The 'PRIMER' (First) text visible on the obverse may indicate this note's place within the initial emission sequence of Constitutionalist currency.