5 pesos 1913
About This Note
This is a 1913 provisional 5 pesos banknote issued by the Estado de Sonora during the Mexican Revolution, featuring the iconic Mexican eagle seal on the obverse and a minimalist reverse design. The note displays significant age-related wear with heavy patination, creasing, and foxing throughout, consistent with its Fair condition grade and century-old circulation history. The presence of Governor José Ma. Maytorena's signature and the decree reference (August 1913) make this an interesting artifact of Sonora's wartime emergency currency.
Common. While this is a genuinely historical Revolutionary-era Mexican state note with legitimate numismatic interest, the Estado de Sonora issued these notes in substantial quantities across multiple series (this is from the 3rd Series) during August-September 1913. The Pick catalog listing as P-S1067c and the relatively straightforward serial numbering system (serial 3690) indicate significant print runs. These notes, though scarce compared to modern currency, are not rare in the numismatic market and appear regularly in collections and auctions dedicated to Mexican Revolutionary currency. Fair condition examples are particularly common as most surviving examples show similar wear patterns from circulation.
Issued during August 1913 under Decree No. 13, this note represents emergency currency produced by the Estado de Sonora during the tumultuous Mexican Revolution period when central government authority was fragmented. The prominent display of the Mexican eagle, 'República Mexicana,' and the state's sovereign seal reflect Sonora's assertion of governmental legitimacy during this chaotic era. Governor José Ma. Maytorena, who signed this note, was a significant military and political figure during the Revolution, and these provisional notes were critical to maintaining economic function in the region.
The obverse features a classical Mexican governmental design anchored by a circular seal containing the Mexican national eagle (águila mexicana) on the left side, surrounded by the inscription 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' and 'EL ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO.' The denomination 'Cinco Pesos' is prominently displayed in the center with '$5.00' numerals. A distinctive red circular vignette in the upper right depicts a rising sun over mountain peaks—a symbolic reference to Sonora's geographical identity and optimism during the revolutionary period. The note includes official signatures of Governor José Ma. Maytorena and Treasurer Juan Sánchez Azcona, with ornate floral and geometric border patterns framing the design. The reverse presents a minimalist aesthetic with large centered text reading 'ESTADO DE SONORA' separated by a decorative star symbol, with corner denominations and matching decorative borders. The overall design emphasizes state sovereignty and the provisional nature of the currency.
Front: 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic); 'EL ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO' (The Free and Sovereign State); 'EL ESTADO DE SONORA' (The State of Sonora); 'Cinco Pesos' and '$5.00' (Five Pesos); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay to the bearer in cash); 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NUM. 13 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (In accordance with Decree No. 13 of August 1913); 'Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico.' (place of issuance); 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor) followed by 'José Ma. Maytorena.'; 'EL TESORERO GENERAL' (The General Treasurer) with 'Juan Sánchez Azcona.'; '3ª. SERIE' (3rd Series); '3690' (serial number); 'IMP. DEL ESTADO' (State Printing); 'PROVISIONAL' (Provisional). Back: 'ESTADO' and 'DE SONORA' (State of Sonora); '$5.00' (denomination in corners).
This note was produced using letterpress printing (relief printing), as evidenced by the crisp, distinct character impressions and the characteristic ink distribution patterns visible in the visual analysis. The multiple color applications (tan/beige base, black primary text, red and purple stamps/seals, and green/teal accents) indicate separate printing passes typical of period letterpress operations. The notation 'IMP. DEL ESTADO' (State Printing) confirms this was printed by Sonora's state printing facility rather than a commercial security printer, which was common for emergency revolutionary currency.
This note is identified as Pick P-S1067c (the 'c' designation indicates a specific variety). The 3rd Series designation ('3ª. SERIE') and serial number 3690 help identify this within the Sonora emission sequence. The specific signatures of José Ma. Maytorena and Juan Sánchez Azcona are consistent with the August 1913 issuance. The purple cancellation/authentication stamp visible on the reverse may indicate this note passed through official banking channels or was marked by a specific institution, representing a minor variety worth noting for detailed collectors.
