20 pesos 1914
About This Note
A visually striking 20 pesos banknote issued by El Estado de Chihuahua in 1914-1915, graded AU. The note features an elegant rose/mauve and black color scheme with two portrait medallions on the obverse and a classical civic building vignette on the reverse, complemented by intricate engraved borders and security elements. Light foxing and age-related discoloration are consistent with careful preservation of this century-old Revolutionary-era Mexican state currency.
Common. State-issued currency from the Mexican Revolution is widely collected, and while specific varieties may vary in availability, this Pick number (P-S537a) does not show characteristics suggesting limited production or recall. The series designation 'K' and sequential serial numbering indicate substantial print runs. Without evidence of exceptional scarcity or specialized collector demand for this specific variety, this note should be assessed as common within its type, albeit with historical significance that makes it collectible.
This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution under military decree in February 1914, representing one of the many state-issued currencies that circulated during the political upheaval when federal currency was scarce or distrusted. The classical architecture depicted on the reverse reflects the civic pride of Chihuahua state, while the formal portraits on the obverse likely represent state officials authorized to issue the currency under military authority during this tumultuous period.
The obverse features two bearded male portraits in formal attire positioned in ornamental medal lions on the left and right sides, representing state officials (likely the Governor and General Treasurer based on signature lines). The center displays bold text identifying the issuer with rose/mauve coloring and decorative flourishes. Roman numeral XX symbols in the bottom corners reinforce the denomination. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved vignette of a multi-story classical-style civic or governmental building with a central tower, arched windows, and architectural refinement typical of late 19th-century Mexican public architecture. A circular seal on the left containing the Mexican eagle emblem represents the State Treasury. Decorative corner elements with Roman numerals XX in circular frames occupy all four corners, while intricate geometric and floral border patterns frame the entire note.
FRONT SIDE: 'El Estado de Chihuahua' (The State of Chihuahua); 'Pagará al Portador en Efectivo' (Will Pay the Bearer in Cash); 'Veinte Pesos' (Twenty Pesos); 'Conforme al Decreto Militar de Fecha 10 de Febrero de 1914' (In Accordance with Military Decree Dated February 10, 1914); 'Chihuahua México' (Chihuahua Mexico); 'Serie K Enero 1915' (Series K January 1915); 'Tesorero General' (General Treasurer); 'Gobernador' (Governor); 'Interventor' (Auditor/Intervener); Serial number '529797'. BACK SIDE: '20 Pesos'; 'Tesorero General del Estado de Chihuahua' (General Treasurer of the State of Chihuahua); Printer's mark 'U-ROG'; Denomination '20'.
Steel engraving throughout, evidenced by the fine line work, cross-hatching, intricate border patterns, and detailed vignette work visible in both the portraits and building illustration. The printer's mark 'U-ROG' on the reverse suggests production by a specialized security printer, likely operating in Mexico City or another major printing center during this period. This represents professional banknote production despite the Revolutionary-era context.
Series K, January 1915 issuance. Serial number 529797 indicates this is from a standard production run. The note represents variety 'a' per Pick catalog designation (P-S537a), suggesting there may be related varieties (potentially different signatures, dates, or series designations). The discrepancy between the decree date (February 10, 1914) and the series date (January 1915) may indicate delayed implementation of the authorized currency or revalidation during the chaotic Revolutionary period.
