25 centavos 1913
About This Note
This is an exceptional example of a Mexican state treasury note issued by the Tesorería General del Estado of Chihuahua during the Mexican Revolution, denominated 25 centavos and dated December 10, 1913. The note features a striking circular red seal with an eagle emblem and handwritten signatures including that of General Francisco Villa as Provisional Governor, making it a historically significant revolutionary-era document. In AU condition, the note displays age-appropriate foxing and tan discoloration typical of early 20th-century paper, with the red seal and printing remaining relatively clear despite over a century of aging.
Common. While this is a historically significant revolutionary-era note with the notable feature of General Villa's signature, Chihuahua state treasury notes from 1913 were issued in substantial quantities across multiple series (A, B, C, D, etc.) and denominations. The AU condition grade and the fact that surviving examples exist in various collections and markets indicates these were not extremely limited in print run. The Pick catalog designation (P-S551j) reflects that this is one of multiple documented varieties from this series. Revolutionary-era Mexican state notes are widely collected but not scarce, with examples regularly available to collectors.
This note was issued during a tumultuous period when General Francisco Villa controlled the state of Chihuahua during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). The designation of Villa as 'Gobernador Provisional del Estado' reflects the military occupation and provisional governance structures that emerged during this conflict. The use of treasury notes rather than official currency demonstrates how regional authorities improvised financial instruments during periods of central government instability, with this particular note printed locally by the Imprenta del Correo in Chihuahua.
The note employs a horizontal rectangular format typical of early 20th-century Mexican treasury certificates. The dominant design element is a large circular red seal positioned on the left side, featuring an eagle emblem and the text 'TESORERIA GENERAL CHIHUAHUA' - this seal serves as the primary authentication device and symbol of state authority. The denomination '25 CENTAVOS' is prominently displayed, with official text declaring the note valid 'AL PORTADOR' (to bearer). Ornamental borders frame the entire design in black ink on a cream/white paper stock. The note includes three signature lines for authorized officials (Gobernador Provisional, Tesorero General, and Interventor), with the first bearing the handwritten signature of General Francisco Villa. A serial number (8981) and series designation (D) are printed for tracking purposes. The reverse is blank, typical of informal emergency currency issues of this period.
FRONT SIDE: 'SERIE D' (Series D); 'NO 8981' (Number 8981); 'TESORERIA GENERAL DEL ESTADO' (General Treasury of the State); 'EL PRESENTE ES VALIDO, AL PORTADOR, POR' (The present is valid to the bearer for); '25 CENTAVOS' (25 cents); 'Chihuahua, 10 de Diciembre de 1913' (Chihuahua, December 10, 1913); 'Gobernador Provisional del Estado,' (Provisional Governor of the State); 'GRAL. FRANCISCO VILLA' (General Francisco Villa); 'Tesorero General del Estado' (General Treasurer of the State); 'Interventor' (Comptroller); '414-1513' (reference number); '125' (printer's mark); 'IMP. DEL CORREO, CHIHUAHUA' (Printed by the Mail Office, Chihuahua). BACK SIDE: Blank with no inscriptions.
This note was produced using letterpress printing, evidenced by the crisp impressions of the text and border designs visible in the images. The large red circular seal was applied separately, likely using a rubber stamp or seal press, creating the characteristic bold red impression overlaid on the printed design. The printer's mark 'IMP. DEL CORREO, CHIHUAHUA' indicates production at the Chihuahua postal/mail office printing facility. The handwritten signatures were added after printing, as was standard practice for treasury notes requiring individual authorization.
This specific example is identified as variety 'j' in the Pick catalog (P-S551j), indicating it is part of a series of documented varieties for this 25 centavos denomination. The note bears Series D designation with serial number 8981, suggesting it is from a later printing within the emission sequence. The specific signature of General Francisco Villa, combined with the December 10, 1913 date and Series D designation, confirms this as a documented variety within the state's treasury note issues. The presence of handwritten signatures as part of the authorization process creates minor variations between individual notes, though the printed elements remain consistent within the series.
