5 pesos 1961

Common. This note sold for $2.76 in uncirculated condition in 2017, with catalog values of $4 for UNC in 2019 eBay market data. The series JP falls within the standard circulation series (JO-JV range) for this denomination and year. Market prices consistently remain in single digits for UNC examples, indicating substantial production and ready availability in the collector market. While PMG-graded specimens command higher prices ($13-65), this reflects grading premiums rather than inherent scarcity.

Issued during the presidency of Adolfo López Mateos, this 1961 note reflects post-revolutionary Mexico's consolidation of national identity through its currency design. The prominent depiction of the Independence Monument—the Angel of Victory atop a column—symbolizes Mexico's hard-won independence and the nation's enduring commitment to democratic values during a period of relative political stability. The 'MEXICO D.F.' location marking on the obverse represents the central authority of Mexico City's banking operations during this era of the mid-20th century.

The obverse features a fine portrait of a woman—identified as representative of Mexican heritage through her braided hairstyle and period earrings—positioned centrally within an ornamental oval frame. The design is surrounded by intricate Art Deco-influenced geometric and floral border patterns in green and black on a cream underprint, with decorative corner medallions containing the denomination numeral '5'. The reverse showcases the Monumento a la Independencia (Independence Monument), featuring the iconic winged angel statue (El Ángel de la Independencia) positioned atop a columnar base with architectural detailing, rendered in gray and black on the reverse. Both sides employ crisp, fine-line engraving throughout the decorative elements and security patterns.

OBVERSE: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico) — top center; 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos) — bottom center; 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR' (Will Pay to Bearer) — below portrait; 'MEXICO, D.F., 25 DE ENERO DE 1961' (Mexico City, January 25, 1961) — date line; 'SERIE JP' (Series JP) — series designation; 'CONSEJERO' (Counselor) — signature line; 'INTERVENTOR DE LA COM. NAC. BANCARIA' (Intervener of the National Banking Commission) — signature line; 'CAJERO' (Cashier) — signature line. REVERSE: 'BANCO DE MEXICO' (Bank of Mexico); 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY' (printer attribution).

Intaglio printing (engraving) on both sides, executed by American Bank Note Company (ABNC), the prominent security printer credited on the reverse. The fine line engraving, geometric background patterns, and ornate scrollwork visible throughout serve as integral security features. The multicolor underprint on the obverse and gray reverse demonstrate sophisticated multi-step printing processes characteristic of ABNC's mid-20th century currency production.

This specimen is identified as Pick P-60f, the variety that includes 'MEXICO D.F.' text before the date on the obverse, distinguishing it from earlier P-57 issues. The note bears Series JP within the documented JO-JV range for this issue. The specific date of 25 DE ENERO DE 1961 (January 25, 1961) matches the collector note provided and represents the standard issue date for this variety. Serial number N149074 indicates mid-range production numbering typical of this series.