25 centavos 1915
About This Note
This is a 25 centavos note issued by the State of Sinaloa in 1915, graded VF, representing an important regional currency from Mexico's Revolutionary period. The note features fine engraving work with dual portrait medallions on the obverse and an allegorical classical scene on the reverse in green, demonstrating the sophisticated design standards of state-issued currency during this tumultuous era. The specimen exhibits expected aging with visible foxing and purple staining consistent with over a century of circulation, yet maintains excellent legibility and structural integrity that appeals to collectors of Mexican regional notes.
Common. While Sinaloa state notes from the Revolutionary period are not as widely available as major federal issues, this denomination and series (Series A from the 1915-1918 printing period) appears to have had substantial circulation and surviving examples are encountered with reasonable frequency in the market. Regional Mexican notes of this type typically had larger print runs than their scarcity might suggest, and the VF grade indicates this is a well-preserved but not exceptionally rare specimen.
This banknote was issued during the Mexican Revolution by the State of Sinaloa (Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa), which maintained financial autonomy by printing its own currency. The decree date of February 22, 1918, and the reference to the Constitutional Governor indicate this was issued under established state authority, reflecting the complex patchwork of regional governance during the Revolution. The classical allegorical imagery on the reverse—featuring an angel flanked by robed figures overlooking a fortified cityscape—emphasizes stability, prosperity, and civic order that the state sought to project despite the surrounding turmoil.
The obverse features an ornate tan and black engraved design with elaborate scrollwork in all corners. Two portrait medallions dominate the composition: the left portrays a gentleman in formal attire with bow tie, while the right depicts a bearded man in formal dress, both rendered in classical medallion style. Between these portraits stands an ornamental cartouche containing the denomination. On the left side, an allegorical female figure (likely representing Justice or Liberty) is seated, holding a cross and laurel wreath, emphasizing civic virtue and constitutional order. The reverse presents a more elaborate allegorical scene in green tones, depicting three classical figures—two robed women flanking a central winged angel—overlooking a detailed cityscape with fortifications, buildings, and landscape features that likely represent San Blas or a major Sinaloan settlement. This juxtaposition of constitutional authority (front) with civic prosperity and divine favor (back) was typical of Mexican state currency design during this period.
FRONT SIDE: 'VEINTICINCO CENTAVOS' (Twenty-five Centavos) - denomination text; 'EL ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SINALOA' (The Free and Sovereign State of Sinaloa) - issuing authority; 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay the bearer in cash) - promise to pay clause; 'SERIE A' (Series A) - series designation; 'CONFORME AL DECRETO DE FECHA 22 DE FEBRERO 1918' (In accordance with the decree dated February 22, 1918) - legal authorization reference; 'SAN BLAS, SIN.' (San Blas, Sinaloa) - place of issue; 'GOBERNADOR CONSTITUCIONAL' (Constitutional Governor) - signature line; 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) - signature line; 'SECRETARIO GENERAL' (General Secretary) - signature line; 'INTERVENTOR' (Inspector/Auditor) - signature line; Serial numbers '5108' and '5123' appear on left and right respectively. BACK SIDE: No text inscriptions visible; design is purely allegorical engraving.
This note was produced using intaglio engraving, evidenced by the fine line work, detailed scrollwork patterns, and the characteristic depth visible in the ornamental elements throughout both sides. The crisp definition of the portrait medallions and the intricate border designs are consistent with steel plate engraving, the standard security printing method for banknote production in the early 20th century. The two-color printing (tan/black obverse, green reverse) indicates separate printing runs or plates, a common practice for regional Mexican currency of this era.
This note is identified as Pick catalog number S1041, denoting it as a Sinaloa state issue. The 'SERIE A' designation and the decree date of February 22, 1918, place it within the documented series of Sinaloa currency. The serial numbers visible (5108 and 5123) indicate this is from the mid-range of the print run. Collectors should note that Sinaloa notes exist in multiple series and denominations; this specific 25 centavos denomination in Series A represents one of the standard varieties produced during the authorized printing period.
