5 pesos 1915

Common. While Sinaloa state currency from 1915 is scarce compared to modern issues, the P-S1044b series represents a substantial emission from an organized state government during the Revolutionary period. No evidence suggests an exceptionally small print run or recall. The serial number 33991 places this in the middle range of the series, and the UNC condition, while desirable, does not substantially elevate rarity for what is fundamentally a common state currency issue. These notes are regularly encountered in serious Mexican currency collections.

Issued on February 22, 1915, during the Mexican Revolution, this note represents the Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa's assertion of monetary sovereignty during a period of central government instability. The allegorical imagery on the reverse, featuring classical figures and an eagle, reflects the state's attempt to project legitimacy and national identity during the revolutionary upheaval. The decree authorizing this emission underscores how Mexican states temporarily took on central banking functions when the national government's authority was contested.

The obverse features two portrait medallions of prominent Sinaloan officials positioned within ornamental oval frames flanking the central denomination text. The left portrait depicts a formally attired gentleman with tie, accompanied by an allegorical female figure representing Justice holding a sword and scales. The right portrait shows a bearded gentleman. Both are surrounded by decorative floral wreaths and corner flourishes with elaborate curved designs. The reverse presents an allegorical historical scene with multiple classical figures in official robes, dominated by a spread-winged eagle at the top center, suggesting national sovereignty and constitutional authority. A landscape or cityscape with architectural structures appears in the background of the allegorical composition. The entire design is framed by ornamental border patterns with scrollwork and floral elements in the corners, typical of high-quality currency engraving of the era.

FRONT: '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); 'SERIE E' (Series E); '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); Serial number '33991'. BACK: Circular governmental seal containing 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) or related treasury designation.

Intaglio engraving (line engraving), evidenced by the intricate detail work, fine line patterns, and the raised texture visible in the security engraving throughout both sides. The ornamental borders, portrait medallions, and allegorical scenes all display characteristic fine-line intaglio work. The multiple official signatures appear to be handwritten in ink over the printed design. This represents professional currency printing consistent with Mexican state issues of the period.

This specimen is identified as Pick S1044b (the 'b' variant designation), placed in Series E as indicated by the 'SERIE E' marking. The serial number 33991 appears in red in both upper right and lower right corners, characteristic of this emission. Varieties within this Pick number may include different series letters and signature combinations representing different officials (Constitutional Governor, General Secretary, General Treasurer, and Auditor/Inspector positions), though all notes from this 1915 Sinaloa issue share the same decree date and design elements.