10 pesos 1914

Common. While this is a specific state emission from the revolutionary period, Chihuahua currency from 1914-1915 was issued in substantial quantities to meet circulation needs during the military conflict. The note's survival in UNC condition is noteworthy and reflects careful preservation rather than extreme scarcity of the original printing. Revolutionary-era Mexican state notes of this denomination and issuer typically trade at modest prices reflecting their common status, though condition premiums apply for exceptional examples.

This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution, specifically authorized by military decree on February 10, 1914, and actually printed in June 1915 by the State of Chihuahua government. The note's promise to pay 'al portador, en efectivo' (to the bearer, in cash) reflects the emergency currency circumstances of the revolution, when local state governments issued their own circulating media. The architectural vignette on the reverse represents civic authority and governmental legitimacy during a period of considerable political fragmentation in Mexico.

The obverse features a symmetrical layout with two portrait medallions in ornate oval frames—the left portrait depicts a bearded gentleman and the right shows a mustached figure, likely representing state officials or revolutionary leaders of significance to Chihuahua. The central text area contains the issuing authority and payment promise, with decorative X symbols in shield-like frames positioned left and right. The entire design is framed by an elaborate border of scrollwork and flourishes in black and red on a cream field. The reverse showcases a grand government building with columned facade and entrance steps as the central architectural focal point, surrounded by extensive ornamental floral and scroll motifs rendered in green. A red circular seal containing an eagle emblem (TESORERO GENERAL DEL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA) appears on the left side, while the denomination '10' in ornate circles marks all four corners. The fine line engraving throughout creates the intricate relief effects characteristic of quality banknote production.

FRONT SIDE: 'EL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (The State of Chihuahua) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR, EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay to the bearer, in cash) / 'DIEZ PESOS.' (Ten pesos) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO MILITAR DE FECHA 10 DE FEBRERO DE 1914.' (In accordance with the military decree dated February 10, 1914) / 'CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO.' (Chihuahua, Mexico) / 'SERIE N' (Series N) / 'JUNIO 1915' (June 1915) / 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) / 'GOBERNADOR' (Governor) / 'INTERVENTOR' (Interventor/Inspector) / Serial number: 1822609. BACK SIDE: '10 PESOS' (Ten pesos) / 'TESORERO GENERAL DEL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (General Treasurer of the State of Chihuahua) / Reference mark 'OVC-5'.

This note was produced using fine line engraving and intaglio printing processes, which allowed for the detailed architectural rendering on the reverse and the ornate border work visible throughout. The use of multiple color separations (black, red, and green inks) indicates a sophisticated multi-pass printing operation. For Mexican state currency of this period, such notes were typically produced by established security printers; however, the specific printer for Pick S535a is not definitively documented in standard references, though the quality suggests either a Mexico City establishment or an established regional printer.

This example is identified as Pick S535a, representing a specific cataloged variety of the Chihuahua 10 pesos emission. The note carries Series N designation and serial number 1822609, with a June 1915 printing date. The presence of signatures for 'TESORERO GENERAL,' 'GOBERNADOR,' and 'INTERVENTOR' positions indicates this is an authorized official issue. Known varieties of this Pick number include different series designations and signature combinations; this example with Series N and the June 1915 imprint represents the documented S535a variety.