5 pesos 1914

Common. While regionally-issued Mexican Revolutionary-era currency can be scarce, this specific note from the Comision Reguladora del Mercado de Henequen appears to have been issued in reasonable quantities (evidenced by serial number 3804550 suggesting a substantial print run). The piece shows honest circulation wear rather than exceptional rarity indicators such as low serial numbers, rare signatures, or documented limited production. Regional henequen commission notes are collected but not particularly difficult to locate in the Mexican numismatic market.

This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution by a specialized henequen market regulatory commission based in Mérida, Yucatán, reflecting the regional economic disruptions and fragmented monetary systems that characterized 1914. The henequen (sisal) trade was Yucatán's primary export commodity, and the creation of a dedicated regulatory commission to issue currency demonstrates how regional authorities compensated for the breakdown of central banking authority. The November 20, 1914 date places this squarely in the height of revolutionary chaos, when numerous regional and local governments issued their own currency to maintain economic function.

The obverse features the Mexican national eagle (águila mexicana) with spread wings displayed prominently in the left-center area, serving as the primary heraldic emblem above an ornate shield. Large decorative numerals '5' enclosed in elaborate circular frames appear in the upper right and lower left corners. The denomination 'CINCO PESOS' is prominently centered with institutional text surrounding it. The note employs an ornate border design in green with black detailing. The reverse depicts a naturalistic landscape scene with mountains or hills in the background and water (likely representing Yucatán's coastal or cenote landscape) in the foreground, with the denomination repeated in a central banner and '5' numerals in all four corners. The composition suggests allegory related to Yucatán's geography and commercial wealth.

FRONT SIDE: 'COMISION REGULADORA DEL MERCADO DE HENEQUEN' (Regulating Commission of the Henequen Market) / 'LA TESORERIA GENERAL DEL' (The General Treasury of) / 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos) / 'CON CARGO A LA CUENTA DE LA COMISION REGULADORA DEL MERCADO DE HENEQUEN' (Charged to the account of the Regulating Commission of the Henequen Market) / 'Merida, Yuc., Noviembre 20 de 1914' (Mérida, Yucatán, November 20, 1914) / 'SERIE A' (Series A) / 'No 3804550' (Number 3804550) / 'EL PRESIDENTE' (The President) / 'GERENTE GENERAL' (General Manager). BACK SIDE: 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos) with numeral '5' repeated in all four corners.

This note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, evidenced by the fine line engraving, guilloche (security) patterns visible throughout both sides, and the crisp impression of the red circular official stamp. Multiple color printing combined green, black, red, and cream ink layers. The precision of the eagle emblem, border details, and corner numerals indicates professional engraving technology typical of established security printers of the era. The quality suggests production by a capable regional or national printing facility, though specific printer attribution for this Pick number would require further research.

This example is cataloged as Pick P-S1123a with Series A designation, serial number 3804550. The 'a' suffix in the Pick number typically indicates a primary variety. Known signature varieties exist for this issue with different president and general manager signatures. This particular note shows the standard design without apparent overprints or alterations. Collectors should note the specific date (November 20, 1914) as different issue dates may represent distinct print batches or administrative periods of the commission.