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2 pesos 1914

America › North America › Mexico
P-S398a1914Banco de QueretaroF
2 pesos 1914 from Mexico, P-S398a (1914) — image 1
2 pesos 1914 from Mexico, P-S398a (1914) — image 2

Market Prices

VF$37$30$45(2)
F$95(1)

About This Note

This 2 pesos banknote from Banco de Querétaro dated January 1, 1914 is a handsome example of Mexican regional currency from the Revolutionary era, printed by the American Book & Printing Company. The note displays the characteristic ornate security printing of the period with an agricultural vignette featuring oxen and plow on the obverse, and Mexico's national eagle on the reverse in red/pink tones. In Fine condition, it shows moderate age-related wear and toning consistent with circulation, with clearly legible serial number 019395 and well-preserved printing details.

Rarity

Common. The eBay price tracking data shows regular market activity across a wide price range ($12.95–$195.00 USD), with multiple notes in similar conditions (F and VF grades) consistently available, indicating substantial surviving quantities. The note's Fine condition example typically trades in the $80–$95 range based on the provided data. Banco de Querétaro was a legitimate, operating regional bank with a normal print run; this is not a short-lived issuer or recalled currency. The consistent availability and moderate price points confirm this is a standard, frequently encountered note among collectors of Mexican regional currency.

Historical Context

This banknote was issued by Banco de Querétaro during the Mexican Revolution, a period when regional banks and state authorities issued their own currency as central authority fragmented. The agricultural imagery—prominently featuring oxen, plow, and rural labor—reflects Querétaro's economic foundation in agriculture during this turbulent period. The formal authorization inscriptions ('Interventor del Gobierno,' 'Gerente,' 'Consejero') reflect the hybrid governance structure of Mexican financial institutions during the Revolution, balancing state oversight with private banking operations.

Design

The obverse features an allegorical seated female figure on the left representing the state or republic, with Querétaro's state arms prominently displayed. The central focus is an oval religious medallion containing a cross with radiating sunburst rays, symbolizing spiritual authority and divine sanction of the currency. The right side displays a circular vignette depicting rural Mexican agricultural life: a farmer with oxen working a plow in a landscape with distant buildings, emphasizing the agrarian economy of Querétaro state. Ornate geometric and floral border patterns frame the entire design. The reverse presents Mexico's national eagle with spread wings in a circular frame inscribed 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA,' surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and geometric patterns in red and pink tones. All design elements employ fine line engraving for security purposes.

Inscriptions

OBVERSE: 'DOS PESOS' (Two Pesos) | 'BANCO DE QUERÉTARO' (Bank of Querétaro) | 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR Á LA VISTA Á LA PAR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay to bearer on sight at par in cash) | 'QUERÉTARO' (Querétaro) | '1 de Enero 1914' (January 1, 1914) | 'SÉRIE A' (Series A) | 'INTERVENTOR DEL GOBIERNO' (Government Interventor) | 'GERENTE' (Manager) | 'CONSEJERO' (Counselor) | Serial number: '019395' | 'S.A.' (Sociedad Anónima/Corporation). REVERSE: 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) | '2' (denomination) | 'AMERICAN BOOK & PRINTING CO. MEXICO, D.F.' (American Book & Printing Company, Mexico City) | '1 CENT' (1 Cent—likely a printer's mark or notation).

Printing Technique

This note was produced using intaglio/engraved steel plate printing, evidenced by the fine, precise line work visible throughout both sides. The obverse employs orange and yellow underprinting with black overprint for the main design elements, while the reverse features two-color printing in red and pink with fine line engraving patterns providing the intricate security framework. American Book & Printing Company (AB&PC) of Mexico City, a reputable firm specializing in security printing for Mexican financial institutions, handled the production. The detailed border work, delicate line patterns, and precise registration of multiple color layers are characteristic of high-quality period security printing.

Varieties

This note is cataloged as Pick P-S398a, Series A, dated 1.1.1914 (January 1, 1914). The observed specimen carries serial number 019395 in red ink. This represents the standard Series A emission; variant designations (such as P-S398b) would reflect different series, signatures, or overprints. The 'SÉRIE A' designation visible on the obverse confirms this is the first series of the 1914 issue. No unusual overprints, color variations, or signature varieties are evident in this example.