2 pesos 1914
About This Note
An exceptional example of a 2 Pesos note issued by the Provisional Government of Mexico from Veracruz in 1914-1915, graded AU. The note features striking allegorical imagery on the obverse with Liberty standing beside a classical column, alongside Mexico's national eagle in a mountainous landscape, while the reverse displays an ornate baroque design centered on a radiating sun symbol. The crisp engraving, vibrant turquoise and cream coloration, and well-preserved condition make this a visually impressive representation of Mexico's transitional period during the Constitutional Revolution.
Common. The Provisional Government issued substantial quantities of these 2 Pesos notes across multiple series (including Series G as noted on this specimen) to circulate during 1914-1915. While notes from the Mexican Revolutionary period are popular with collectors, this particular denomination and type was widely circulated and survived in reasonable quantities. AU condition examples are less common than circulated pieces, but the Pick catalog listing indicates consistent availability of this issue in the collector market. Unless specific series or signature combinations are known to be scarce, standard circulation issues such as this should be classified as common.
This note was issued during the Mexican Constitutional Revolution by the Provisional Government based in Veracruz, which controlled the legitimate government after President Huerta's fall. The imagery—featuring Liberty, the constitutional column dated 1914, and the national eagle—symbolizes the government's commitment to constitutional restoration and national sovereignty. The inscriptions reference decrees from September 1914, reflecting the government's efforts to establish monetary legitimacy during a period of civil conflict and competing factions issuing currency.
The obverse features an elaborate allegorical composition representing Liberty or Constitutional ideals as a partially draped female figure standing beside a classical Doric column inscribed with '1914' and 'MEXICO'. The central vignette depicts Mexico's national eagle with wings spread in a pastoral landscape dominated by snow-capped mountains and a body of water, symbolizing Mexico's natural majesty. Ornate scrollwork borders frame the denomination, with numerical ornaments positioned in the corners. The reverse abandons figurative imagery entirely, instead employing baroque symmetrical ornamentation radiating from a central circular seal containing a sun symbol with rays, representing national renewal and the Republic. Rectangular cartouches flank the central medallion containing legal text, while elaborate lobed ornamental shapes occupy the corners. The color scheme employs black/grey engraving on the obverse with cream paper stock, while the reverse employs striking turquoise/teal engraving, creating visual distinction between sides.
FRONT SIDE: 'GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL DE MEXICO' (Provisional Government of Mexico) / 'VERACRUZ, FEBRERO 5 DE 1915' (Veracruz, February 5, 1915) / 'Nº 17832404' (Serial Number 17832404) / 'SERIE G' (Series G) / 'CONSTITUCION 1914' (Constitution 1914) / 'MEXICO' / 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) / 'LA TESORERIA RECIBIRA Y PAGARA ESTE BILLETE DE ACUERDO CON EL DECRETO DE 16 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1914' (The Treasury will receive and pay this note in accordance with the decree of September 16, 1914). BACK SIDE: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULARA DE ACUERDO CON EL DECRETO DE 19 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1914' (This note will circulate in accordance with the decree of September 19, 1914) / [Red official government stamp].
Steel engraving (intaglio) printing, the standard security printing method for currency of this period. The fine line work, intricate border designs, complex vignettes, and the ability to render subtle gradations in tone are all characteristic of engraved steel plate printing. The red ink used for serial numbers and stamps indicates selective color application during the printing process. Based on the catalog number and period, this note was likely produced by a European security printer contracted by the Mexican government, though specific printer attribution requires additional documentation.
Series G variant, Serial Number 17832404, printed February 5, 1915 in Veracruz. The note exhibits signature lines for 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) consistent with the standard design. Known varieties for this Pick number (P-S1103) include different series designations (A through G documented) and corresponding signature variations; collectors should note that different series and serial number ranges may exhibit slight printing or signature variations reflecting multiple production runs during the government's operational period.
