2 pesos 1914
About This Note
A 2 pesos banknote issued by the Tesoreria de la Federacion in Guaymas, Sonora on March 16, 1914, during Mexico's Revolutionary period. The note displays ornate period design with rope-pattern borders, an eagle emblem, and a striking reverse featuring an engraved coastal harbor landscape with sailing vessels. In AU condition, the note shows expected foxing and age-related patina consistent with a 110-year-old currency piece, with the red overprinted text partially faded but design elements remaining relatively clear.
Common. The Tesoreria de la Federacion issued multiple denominations and series during 1913-1914, and the 2 pesos denomination was a standard circulation note. No evidence suggests an exceptionally limited print run or early recall. Series A with serial number 7068 represents routine production output. These notes, while historically significant and increasingly scarce in any condition due to age and attrition, were produced in sufficient quantity that they remain relatively common in the collector market. AU-grade examples are more desirable than circulated specimens, but the denomination and issuer do not command premium prices typical of rare Revolutionary-era currency.
This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution, a period of significant political and economic upheaval when regional treasuries issued their own currency. The Guaymas issuing authority in Sonora and the authorization date of September 16, 1913 (Mexico's Independence Day) reflect the federal government's attempt to maintain monetary control during fragmented territorial control. The reverse vignette depicting a peaceful coastal harbor scene with mountains and sailing vessels represents an idealized vision of Mexico's regional resources and stability, in stark contrast to the contemporary military conflict.
The obverse (front) features a formal governmental design with tan and beige background printing interrupted by a repeating red text pattern serving as an anti-counterfeiting measure. Large ornamental cartouches containing the numeral '2' frame the left and right margins. The central design incorporates a spread-winged Mexican eagle symbol on the right side, a national emblem representing federal authority. Elaborate rope-like chain border patterns in black provide frame reinforcement. The reverse displays a professionally engraved vignette in red depicting a romantic coastal landscape—a bay or harbor scene with mountains in the background, calm water, and multiple sailing vessels. This landscape vignette is typical of Mexican banknote design of the period, celebrating the nation's geography and maritime commerce. Ornate scrollwork and floral decorative elements create elaborate corner frames on the reverse. The note measures standard banknote dimensions and employs multiple color printing techniques characteristic of this era.
FRONT SIDE: 'LA TESORERIA DE LA FEDERACION' (The Treasury of the Federation) / 'Serié A' (Series A) / Serial number: 7068 / 'CANTIDAD DE DOS PESOS EN EFECTIVO' (Amount of two pesos in cash) / 'Repará al portador aquella cantidad autorizada por ley, con autorización dada por decreto expedido por la autorización el 16 de Septiembre de 1913' (Will pay to bearer that amount authorized by law, with authorization given by decree issued on September 16, 1913) / 'GUAYMAS, SONORA, MARZO 16 DE 1914' (Guaymas, Sonora, March 16, 1914) / 'Dos Pesos' (Two Pesos) / Denomination: '2'. BACK SIDE: Denomination: '2' / 'LIT "LA NACIONAL." MAZATLAN. A. DIAZ DE LEON E HIJOS' (Printed by 'La Nacional' Lithography, Mazatlan, by A. Diaz de Leon and Sons).
This note employs a combination of lithography and engraving techniques. The primary background and text are printed via color lithography using the repeating pattern background as an anti-counterfeiting measure. The reverse vignette is a fine-line steel engraving showing the landscape scene in red. The printer 'La Nacional' of Mazatlan, operated by A. Diaz de Leon and Sons, was a prominent Mexican security printer of the period. The multiple color application (tan, black, red overprint on obverse; red engraved vignette on reverse) and the intricate decorative borders indicate multi-stage printing processes typical of federal currency production during the Revolutionary era.
This example is identified as Pick catalog S1061, Series A, serial number 7068, issued March 16, 1914 from Guaymas, Sonora. Varieties of this note type are typically distinguished by series designation (Series A, B, etc.) and signature varieties or overprint differences. The specific date of March 16, 1914 is documented on this specimen. The 'LA NACIONAL' printer attribution from Mazatlan is consistent with federal currency production standards of this period. No unusual overprints, signatures, or security marks are noted beyond standard manufacturing marks and the documented purple stamp or authentication mark visible on the reverse vignette.
