20 pesos 1914

Common. This is a mainstream issue from the Gobierno Provisional de México, a major issuing authority of 1914, with no evidence of restricted print runs or recall. Series D notes with standard serial number ranges (such as the observed 3322545) represent routine production levels. The Pick catalog designation P-S1110 indicates it is a recognized standard type rather than a noted variety or limited printing. Notes from this issuer and denomination appear with reasonable regularity in the numismatic market.

This banknote was issued under Decree of September 19, 1914, during the Mexican Revolution when the Provisional Government of Mexico established temporary currency authority in Veracruz. The design's prominent Mexican eagle perched on a cactus symbolizes national sovereignty and the restoration of legitimate government, while the allegorical female figure and classical architectural elements reflect the aspirational imagery used by revolutionary governments seeking to project stability and legitimacy. The inscription 'Gobierno Provisional de México' directly references the transitional political authority that existed during this turbulent period of Mexican history.

The obverse features a masterfully engraved composition centered on the Mexican national emblem—an eagle with spread wings perched upon a cactus, rendered with naturalistic detail and positioned prominently in the composition. To the left stands an allegorical female figure in classical style, partially draped and standing beside a fluted column, representing Liberty or Justice—common iconographic elements in Mexican government currency of this period. A mountainous landscape appears in the background behind the eagle. The reverse showcases a large circular medallion in the center featuring a radiating sun or light design, symbolizing enlightenment and national renewal, surrounded by elaborate ornamental banners containing official text. Both sides are framed by intricate decorative borders composed of scrollwork, floral motifs, and fine cross-hatched cartouches containing denomination numerals and ornamental designs. The color scheme employs black and gray engraving with blue elements on the reverse, printed on cream-colored paper.

FRONT SIDE: 'GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL DE MEXICO' (Provisional Government of Mexico) | 'Nº 3322545' (Serial number) | 'SERIE D' (Series D) | '20' (Denomination) | 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) | 'ENCARGADO DE LA CAJA DE HACIENDA' (In charge of the Treasury Box) | 'LA TESORERIA RECIBIRA Y PAGARA ESTE BILLETE' (The Treasury will receive and pay this note) | 'DECRETO CON DECRETO DE 19 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1914' (Decree of September 19, 1914) | 'MEXICO OFICINA DEL GOBIERNO' (Mexico Government Office). BACK SIDE: 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULA DE ACUERDO CON' (This note circulates in accordance with) | 'EL DECRETO DE 19 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1914' (The decree of September 19, 1914) | 'SECRETARIA DE HACIENDA' (Ministry of Finance) | 'VILLA DE HIDALGO' (Villa of Hidalgo) | 'SELLO' (Seal)

Steel plate engraving (intaglio printing) with multiple color application. The note demonstrates the hallmarks of high-security government currency production from the period: fine parallel line work, detailed cross-hatching in decorative elements, multiple printed passes for color separation (black primary engraving, blue elements on reverse, red serial numbers and text), and intricate border designs serving as anti-counterfeiting measures. This printing technique was standard for Mexican government currency produced during the Revolutionary period.

Series D as noted on the obverse. Serial number 3322545 in red ink appears on both front and reverse. The standard reverse text references 'VILLA DE HIDALGO,' which may indicate production or validation from that location. No overprints, signature varieties, or other distinguishing markings are evident in this example. The standard Decree date of September 19, 1914 is consistent across the issue.