20 pesos 1914

Common. The Provisional Government of Mexico issued substantial quantities of banknotes across multiple denominations during 1914 to finance revolutionary operations. This Pick number (P-S1111) represents a standard denomination from the Veracruz provisional government issue with a moderate serial number (44839), indicating mid-range production. Despite the historical significance of 1914 revolutionary currency, these notes were produced in large enough quantities that examples remain readily available to collectors. The presence of an official purple stamp and circulation wear on this example further confirms widespread use in commerce.

This banknote was issued during the Mexican Revolution under the Provisional Government established in Veracruz, authorized by the Decree of September 18-19, 1914. The classical allegorical female figure and eagle imagery reflect the governmental attempts to legitimize authority during the unstable revolutionary period when multiple factions competed for control. The explicit reference to the Treasury's commitment to honor the note underscores the financial uncertainty of the era, when emergency currency from provisional authorities carried significant doubt regarding redemption.

The obverse presents a sophisticated classical design with an allegorical female figure representing Liberty or the Mexican state in classical drapery positioned on the left, flanked by architectural columns. The central oval vignette contains a symbolic eagle overlooking a mountainous Mexican landscape with natural scenery, representing national sovereignty and territorial pride. The denomination '20' appears in an ornate cartouche on the right side. Baroque-style corner ornaments with crossed design elements frame the composition. The reverse features a dominant circular seal with radiating sunburst patterns containing text arranged in circular formation, accompanied by four symmetrical quatrefoil corner ornaments. A purple official stamp impression overlays the center seal, with banner-like text cartouches flanking the medallion. Fine line engraving provides security through intricate background pattern work throughout both sides.

FRONT SIDE: 'GOBIERNO PROVISIONAL DE MEXICO' (Provisional Government of Mexico) | 'SERIE D' (Series D) | 'No 44839' (Serial number) | 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) | 'LA TESORERIA DECLARA Y PAGARA ESTE BILLETE DE ACUERDO CON EL DECRETO DE 18 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1914' (The Treasury declares and will pay this note in accordance with the Decree of September 18, 1914) | 'OFICINA DEL GOBIERNO' (Government Office) | 'EL ENCARGADO DE LA CASA DE HACIENDA' (The Official in Charge of the Treasury) | '1914' (Year). BACK SIDE: 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULA DE ACUERDO CON' (This note circulates in accordance with) | 'DECRETO DE 19 DE SETIEMBRE DE 1914' (Decree of September 19, 1914) | 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic).

Intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), the standard security printing method for banknotes of this era. The fine line work, detailed background patterns, and sharp definition of the allegorical figures and architectural elements are characteristic of high-quality intaglio production. The intricate circular seal design with radiating lines would have been executed through master engraving plates. Specific printer attribution for this Pick number is not definitively established from catalog data, though the design quality suggests a reputable security printer contracted by the Mexican provisional authorities.

Series D as indicated on this note. The serial number 44839 places this note within the standard production range for this issue. The purple official stamp impression on the reverse represents an administrative marking applied during circulation, likely indicating verification or processing by official channels. Multiple series (A, B, C, D) were issued for this denomination and Pick number, offering variety for collectors. No rare printing varieties or signature variants are documented for this particular Pick number at this denomination.