25 centavos 1915
About This Note
A striking 25 centavos banknote issued by the Estado de Sonora in 1915, rendered in a classic black and red color scheme on the obverse with elegant portrait medallions and ornate denominational cartouches. The reverse displays the Mexican national coat of arms in green and black, featuring intricate fine-line engraving throughout. This example appears to be in Uncirculated condition with only minor age-related toning, preserving the crisp detail and vibrant colors characteristic of American Bank Note Company's production.
Common. This note was issued by a state government during a period of significant currency demands, and the American Bank Note Company's production capabilities suggest substantial print runs. Series H with serial number 57959 represents routine sequential production. No historical evidence indicates a recall, unusually short print run, or extreme scarcity for this denomination and issuer combination. While Mexican Revolutionary-era regional notes have collector interest, this particular Pick number shows no premium indicators suggesting rarity.
This note was issued during Mexico's Revolutionary period, specifically under Decree Number 13 of August 27, 1913, when regional states like Sonora were authorized to issue their own currency. The prominent display of the Mexican coat of arms and the 'Estado Libre y Soberano de Sonora' inscription reflect the political complexity of the era, when state autonomy and federal authority were contested. The January 12, 1915 date places this note during the height of the Mexican Revolution, when traditional monetary systems were disrupted and regional issuing authorities like Hermosillo's government filled critical liquidity needs.
The obverse features two formal male portraits in ornate oval medallions positioned symmetrically on either side of the note's design field. The left portrait depicts a bearded gentleman in formal attire (suit and tie), while the right shows a mustachioed figure in similar formal dress. These likely represent state officials or heroes relevant to Sonora during the Revolutionary period. The center of the obverse showcases an elaborate decorative cartouche displaying the denomination '25' in ornamental numerals, surrounded by intricate scrollwork and flourishes. The corners feature decorative geometric and floral patterns typical of Edwardian-era bank note design. The reverse is dominated by a large circular seal containing the Mexican national coat of arms—the iconic eagle (águila) grasping a serpent (serpiente), characteristic of the Mexican Republic. This central emblem is surrounded by a decorative wreath and an inscribed ring bearing state identification. Denomination indicators '25' appear in all four corners in their own ornamental medallions. The overall design employs fine-line engraving with intricate background patterns providing anti-counterfeiting security.
FRONT SIDE: 'VEINTICINCO CENTAVOS' (Twenty-five centavos) / 'NO. 57959' (Serial number 57959, appearing twice) / 'SERIE H' (Series H) / 'ESTADO DE SONORA' (State of Sonora) / 'PARA LA IMPORTACION EN EFECTIVO' (For import in cash) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NÚMERO 13 DE FECHA 27 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (According to Decree Number 13 dated August 27, 1913) / 'HERMOSILLO, MEXICO, ENERO 12 DE 1915' (Hermosillo, Mexico, January 12, 1915) / 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) / 'EL SECRETARIO DE ESTADO INT.' (The State Secretary Int.) / 'EL TESORERO GENERAL INT.' (The General Treasurer Int.) / 'EL INTERVENTOR' (The Inspector/Auditor) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE CO. NEW YORK' (American Bank Note Company, New York). REVERSE SIDE: 'VEINTICINCO CENTAVOS' (Twenty-five centavos) / '25 CENTAVOS' (25 centavos, appearing in all four corners) / 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic) / 'ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SONORA' (Free and Sovereign State of Sonora) / 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK' (American Bank Note Company, New York).
Intaglio printing (steel plate engraving) executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York, as credited on both obverse and reverse. The fine-line engraving technique is evident from the crisp, detailed portraiture, the intricate geometric background patterns, and the precise rendering of the Mexican coat of arms. Multiple color printing was employed using separate passes for the black and red on the obverse and black and green on the reverse, characteristic of high-security banknote production of the period.
Series H identified on obverse. Serial number 57959 visible on both sides. The specific variety is characterized by the January 12, 1915 issue date from Hermosillo and the reference to Decree Number 13. Other series letters (A through G or beyond) and different serial number ranges may exist, representing distinct varieties within the 25 centavos 1915 Sonora issue. The note's signature lines correspond to the constitutional state officers of Sonora at that date, making it identifiable to a specific print batch or issuance period.
