5 pesos 1914

Uncommon. While regional Mexican banknotes from this period were produced in varying quantities, this specific Banco Peninsular Mexicano issue shows characteristics of a legitimate but ultimately short-lived regional issuer during the Revolution. eBay market pricing provides strong guidance: recent sales range from $61–$112.50 depending on condition, with UNC specimens at $61 and graded examples (PMG 65) reaching $112.50. These moderate price points indicate the note is neither common (which would trade under $20) nor rare (which would command $300+). The visible circulation wear, stamps, and signatures on this specimen further support an 'uncommon' classification—it circulated and has survived but is not a plentiful survivor.

Banco Peninsular Mexicano was a regional Mexican bank operating from Mérida during a tumultuous period of Mexican history. The 1914 date corresponds to the height of the Mexican Revolution, and the note's imagery—emphasizing transportation infrastructure (the locomotive) and commercial activity (dock workers)—reflects the bank's focus on Yucatán's regional economy and trade. The American Bank Note Company printing and the formal 'at sight to bearer' language indicate this was a legitimate regional financial institution attempting to maintain currency stability amid national political upheaval.

The obverse features a striking two-part composition emphasizing industrial progress and commerce. The left vignette depicts a steam locomotive numbered 13 within an ornate oval frame, representing the modernization and railroad development crucial to Mexico's economy. The right side shows multiple male figures engaged in dock work and business transactions, symbolizing trade and labor. The back is dominated by a large circular seal of Banco Peninsular Mexicano with a radiating sun-like pattern at its center, flanked by profile portrait medallions in decorative frames on either side. All four corners contain ornate numerals '5' within elaborate cartouches. The entire design is framed by intricate geometric and floral border patterns typical of American Bank Note Company's security printing standards. The color scheme—black on yellow-orange for the obverse, red-pink for the reverse—creates strong visual contrast and anti-counterfeiting distinction.

FRONT: 'Banco Peninsular Mexicano' (Peninsular Mexican Bank) | 'Cinco Pesos' (Five Pesos) | 'No 244419 pagará' (No. 244419 will pay) | 'Á LA VISTA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (At sight to the bearer in cash) | 'MÉRIDA' (Merida—city of issue) | 'Abril de 1911' (April of 1911) | 'EL DIRECTOR' (The Director) | 'INTERVENTOR' (Comptroller/Inspector) | 'CONSEJERO' (Counselor) | 'SERIE A' (Series A) | 'American Bank Note Co. New York' | 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos) | Serial number: 244419 | BACK: 'BANCO PENINSULAR MEXICANO' (Peninsular Mexican Bank) | '5' (denomination numerals in corners) | 'CENT' | 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK'

Intaglio engraving (line engraving) throughout, executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, complex border designs, and detailed vignettes are characteristic of high-security intaglio printing methods. The dual-color printing (black/yellow-orange on obverse; red-pink on reverse) indicates separate pressure passes or roller application, a standard security measure for banknote production of the era. The precision of the ornamental frames, portrait medallions, and background line work demonstrates the advanced engraving capabilities of ABNC.

Series A, as designated on the obverse. Serial number 244419 with handwritten signatures of El Director, Interventor, and Consejero as required for period legitimacy. The date printed on the note reads 'Abril de 1911' (April 1911), which predates the Pick catalog year attribution of 1914—this reflects the printing date versus circulation/issuance date, common for regional Mexican bank notes. No overprints, countermarks, or variant printings are evident on this specimen. The note represents a standard issued variety with standard signatures and no known premium varieties for this Pick number.