20 centavos 1914
About This Note
This 20 centavos note from the Gobierno Provisional de Mexico (1914) presents a striking example of early 20th-century Mexican provisional currency. The VF-grade specimen displays the characteristic ornate design of the period with classical portraiture on the obverse and a prominent central seal on the reverse, though age-related foxing and reddish-brown staining are evident. The intricate cross-hatching and fine line work throughout the design reflect the security printing standards of the era.
Common. The 20 centavos denomination was a standard provisional issue of the Gobierno Provisional de Mexico, and examples in VF condition are readily encountered in the market. While the note represents an important transitional period in Mexican monetary history, the denomination was produced in sufficient quantities to serve everyday circulation during the provisional government period, resulting in widespread availability to collectors.
This provisional issue was released during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution period, specifically under the Provisional Government that emerged following political upheaval. The inscription 'TRANSITOR' or 'CANSITORIO' (transitional) on the reverse explicitly identifies this as temporary emergency currency, while the classical portrait on the obverse and the elaborate governmental seal reflect efforts to project legitimacy and continuity of Mexican state authority during a period of institutional instability.
The obverse features a classical left-facing profile portrait of a historical figure in period dress, positioned on the left side of the note, surrounded by ornamental wreath and flourish elements. The design incorporates a Greek key geometric border pattern at the bottom and intricate cross-hatching patterns throughout. The reverse displays a large, symmetrically-positioned circular seal or coat of arms representing the Mexican government at center, flanked by decorative floral and botanical elements with ornamental scrollwork above. The color scheme is austere—black, gray, and white—appropriate for emergency provisional currency. The overall composition is highly symmetrical and ornate, typical of late 19th and early 20th-century security printing.
OBVERSE: 'GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL DE MEXICO' (Provisional Government of Mexico), 'VEINTE CENTAVOS' (Twenty Centavos), 'LXII' (Roman numeral 62). REVERSE: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL' (Mexican Republic Provisional Government), 'VEINTE CENTAVOS' (Twenty Centavos), 'TRANSITOR' or 'CANSITORIO' (Transitional/Temporary).
Intaglio printing (engraved line work), evidenced by the fine cross-hatching, stippling patterns, and complex ornamental details throughout. The intricate border work and security features suggest production by a specialized security printer, likely the same firm responsible for other Mexican provisional issues of the 1914 period. The fine line work and detailed seal design are consistent with high-quality intaglio bank note production.
The Roman numeral 'LXII' (62) visible on the obverse may indicate a plate number or issue designation. The specific spelling variations on the reverse ('TRANSITOR' vs. 'CANSITORIO') could represent different printings or corrections. Without access to additional cataloging details or serial number information visible in the image, the specific variety within Pick S699 cannot be definitively determined from the visual analysis alone. Collectors should compare serial number prefixes and exact spelling variants against detailed Pick or Mexican banknote specialty catalogs.
