5 pesos 1915
About This Note
This is an exceptional AU-grade example of a 5 pesos banknote issued by the Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa in 1915 during Mexico's revolutionary period. The note displays crisp engraving on both sides with vibrant tan/beige tones on the obverse and striking red/pink allegorical imagery on the reverse, showing no visible wear, creasing, or circulation damage. This scarce state currency represents an important piece of Mexican monetary history from the tumultuous Constitutional period, featuring rich symbolic imagery including allegorical figures representing justice and governance alongside Mexican nationalist iconography.
Scarce. State-issued emergency currency from the Mexican Revolution is uncommon in collectible grades, particularly in AU condition. The Sinaloa issues of 1915 had limited print runs and saw variable survival rates depending on series and denomination. The Series F designation and specific serial number (44199) suggest this was part of a controlled issuance. While not extremely rare, finding well-preserved examples of this specific Pick number (P-S1044a) in AU grade is notably difficult, as many surviving examples show circulation wear or have been lost to time. The combination of historical significance, limited availability, and exceptional condition makes this a notable acquisition for specialists in Mexican revolutionary currency.
Issued on February 22, 1915, during the height of the Mexican Revolution, this note was authorized by the Constitutional Governor of Sinaloa as emergency currency to maintain state fiscal operations during national turmoil. The allegorical imagery on both sides—featuring Justice, Liberty, and the Mexican eagle—reflects the revolutionary state's aspirations toward democratic governance and constitutional order despite the chaos of the period. State-issued currency of this era was typically short-lived, as central authority was gradually reasserted, making surviving examples significant historical documents of Mexico's internal struggle.
The obverse features a formal, symmetrical design with two portrait medallions representing state officials—the left depicting a dignified man in formal attire with bow tie, the right showing a bearded gentleman in profile. An allegorical female figure (Liberty or Justice) occupies the left margin, depicted with sword and laurel wreath, embodying revolutionary ideals of freedom and victory. The central cartouche prominently displays 'CINCO PESOS' in elegant lettering. The reverse presents a more elaborate allegorical composition with an eagle displayed at center top flanking two female figures—the left holding a torch or staff (Liberty), the right holding scales (Justice). A shield cartouche between them frames a landscape featuring a volcano or prominent mountain, likely representing Sinaloa's geography, with a stylized cityscape in the background. Ornamental borders and decorative corner flourishes frame both sides, with fine line work throughout the design.
FRONT SIDE: 'El Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa' (The Free and Sovereign State of Sinaloa); 'Pagará al portador en efectivo' (Will pay to bearer in cash); 'Cinco Pesos' (Five Pesos); 'Conforme al decreto de fecha 22 de febrero 1915' (In accordance with the decree dated February 22, 1915); 'San Blas, Sin.' (San Blas, Sinaloa); 'Gobernador Constitucional' (Constitutional Governor); 'Secretario General' (General Secretary); 'Tesorero General' (General Treasurer); 'Interventor' (Auditor/Inspector); 'Serie F' (Series F); 'No 44199' (No. 44199). BACK SIDE: No inscriptions visible in the allegorical design.
This note was produced using intaglio engraving (steel plate engraving), evidenced by the sharp, crisp impression of fine lines, the intricate border patterns, and the refined detail visible in the allegorical figures and portraits. The consistent pressure and quality of impression across the note, combined with the complexity of the multi-element design, confirms professional security printing appropriate to currency production. The printer for Sinaloa state currency of this period was likely a Mexican security printer or potentially an international currency printer, though specific attribution for this Pick number would require consultation of detailed printing records.
This example is identified as Pick P-S1044a, Series F, with serial number 44199. The 'a' designation in the Pick catalogue typically indicates a specific variety or signature combination. The presence of 'SERIE F' on the note suggests multiple series were issued for this 5 pesos denomination. Collectors should note signature varieties exist for Sinaloa issues based on which officials signed each note (Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor positions); the specific signatures on this example should be documented as part of its complete variety identification.
