20 centavos 1915
About This Note
This 20 centavos banknote from San Luis Potosi (1915) features Mexico's national eagle as the central motif within a decorative frame. The note exhibits Fair condition with extensive staining, foxing, and fading consistent with over a century of circulation. The heavy wear and age-related deterioration actually lend historical authenticity to this Revolutionary-era currency, making it an interesting example of Mexican regional banking during a turbulent political period.
Common. San Luis Potosi issued multiple denominations during 1915, and 20 centavo notes were standard circulation denominations. No evidence of limited print runs, recalls, or extreme scarcity exists for this Pick number. The Fair condition grade is typical for surviving examples from this era, and the note's modest denomination suggests substantial original production quantities.
Issued during the Mexican Revolution (1915), this San Luis Potosi banknote represents one of many regional emergency currency emissions by state banks competing with federal authority. The prominent Mexican eagle symbolizes national identity and sovereignty, while the 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' inscription reinforces official legitimacy despite the political chaos of the period. Regional notes like this were crucial for maintaining commerce during the collapse of centralized currency authority.
The obverse features a naturalistic Mexican eagle (águila mexicana) as the dominant central symbol, presented within a framed oval or rectangular cartouche. The eagle is the national emblem of Mexico, traditionally depicted in a heraldic stance. Decorative corner ornaments frame the composition, with denomination and issuing authority text arranged around the borders. The reverse shows similar decorative elements and border design with the 'EMISION OFICIAL' inscription, indicating this as an officially sanctioned currency emission by the San Luis Potosi state banking authority.
Front: 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic), '20¢' (20 centavos), 'VALE' (Valid/Worth), 'EMISION OFICIAL' (Official Issuance). Back: 'EMISION OFICIAL' (Official Issuance). All text is in Spanish.
Letterpress or intaglio printing, typical for Mexican banknotes of the 1915 period. The faded details and worn appearance suggest traditional relief or intaglio methods used by regional printers. No advanced security features are evident, reflecting the expedient nature of Revolutionary-era emergency currency production.
No specific signature varieties, date variants, or serial number prefix information are discernible from the visual analysis due to the note's heavily worn condition. Standard San Luis Potosi 1915 varieties may exist but cannot be definitively identified from these images. Collectors should consult Pick catalog supplements for documented varieties of P-S988.
