20 pesos 1915
About This Note
This is a VF-grade 20 pesos note from the Gobierno Constitucionalista de Mexico (1915), issued during the Mexican Revolution by the Constitutional Government faction. The note displays exceptional condition with sharp, crisp engraving throughout—no wear, creases, or damage visible on either side. The front features classical allegorical figures in pink/salmon tones with fine line work, while the reverse showcases an intricately detailed Aztec calendar stone (sun stone) in orange, making this a visually striking example of early 20th-century Mexican revolutionary currency with strong numismatic appeal.
common. The 1915 20 pesos Gobierno Constitucionalista issues (Pick S687 and related series) were printed in substantial quantities by American Bank Note Company as emergency/provisional currency during the Revolutionary period. While notes from this era can show significant wear due to circulation conditions, the denomination and issuer were not subject to short print runs or immediate recall. The series designation (SERIE X) and standard serial numbering practices indicate regular production. Notes from this issue remain available in the numismatic market at modest valuations, confirming common status despite historical significance.
Issued on July 21, 1915, during the height of the Mexican Revolution, this note represents the Constitutional Government's attempt to establish monetary legitimacy during a period of factional conflict and political instability. The front's allegorical imagery—winged female figures representing Liberty and Justice—reflects ideals of the revolutionary cause, while the reverse's prominent Aztec calendar stone symbolizes Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage and national identity, deliberately evoking cultural continuity despite the chaos of civil war. The American Bank Note Company printing reflects the practical reliance on established U.S. security printers even during Mexico's internal conflict.
The front features a classical allegorical composition centered on the left, depicting Liberty (seated female figure) and Justice (standing winged female figure) with a child attending figure, all positioned on a classical pedestal base rendered in pink/salmon with dark grey-blue accents. The numeral '20' appears in multiple ornate cartouches throughout, with the primary denomination tablet prominently centered. The reverse displays the Aztec Calendar Stone (Sun Stone/Piedra del Sol) as its dominant central motif, rendered with exceptional detail showing the characteristic concentric circular patterns and symbolic glyphs of this pre-Columbian artifact. A Mexican coat of arms (eagle in circular seal) appears in the upper left. The entire composition is framed by ornamental scrollwork borders featuring decorative elements typical of early-20th-century security printing. Multiple instances of the numeral '20' appear in decorative cartouches on both left and right sides of the reverse.
FRONT SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'GOBIERNO CONSTITUCIONALISTA' (Constitutional Government) / 'VEINTE PESOS' (Twenty Pesos) / 'SERIE X' (Series X) / Serial number 'Nº C4766628' / 'EL TESORERO GENERAL DE LA NACIÓN' (The General Treasurer of the Nation) / 'EL SUBSECRETARIO DE HACIENDA' (The Under-Secretary of the Treasury) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printing authority). BACK SIDE: 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'ESTE BILLETE CIRCULARÁ CONFORME AL DECRETO DE 21 DE JULIO DE 1915' (This banknote shall circulate in accordance with the Decree of July 21, 1915) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printing authority).
Intaglio engraving executed by American Bank Note Company, employing multiple color printing plates layered in registration. The fine line work, complex decorative patterns, and the sharp definition of the Aztec calendar stone details visible in the specimen indicate traditional hand-engraved intaglio plates with precise color separation for the distinct pink/salmon, orange, cream/beige, dark blue, and black layers. The uniform coloring and lack of registration imperfections in this specimen indicates quality production control during the printing run.
This specimen exhibits Series X designation and serial number C4766628 in blue printing. The 1915 20 pesos Constitutional Government issue (P-S687) is known in multiple series (A through X and beyond). Varieties are primarily distinguished by series letter prefix and printer signatures (Tesorero and Subsecretario positions), though signature varieties for this specific 1915 issue are not extensively catalogued in standard references. The specimen's pristine condition (VF or higher) is notable as surviving examples often show circulation wear; this particular note's condition grade significantly enhances its collector appeal relative to worn examples of the same issue.
