5 pesos 1914
About This Note
This is an AU-graded 5 Pesos banknote issued by the Ejercito Constitucionalista de Mexico in 1914, representing an important piece of Mexican Revolutionary currency. The note features crisp, clear printing with the iconic Mexican eagle on the obverse and a Liberty cap with radiating light on the reverse, both characteristic of Constitutional Army issues. The excellent condition with minimal wear, vibrant green and red security elements, and intricate engraved details make this an attractive example of early 20th-century Mexican military scrip.
common. The Ejercito Constitucionalista de Mexico issued multiple denominations during 1914, and the 5 Pesos denomination appears to have had a reasonable circulation throughout the Constitutional Army's operational areas. While this is historical scrip from an important period, the Pick catalog's inclusion and the existence of multiple series and serial numbers indicate a substantive print run. The AU condition grade is desirable but not extraordinary for survivor examples, suggesting these notes were produced in sufficient quantity that well-preserved examples remain available to collectors.
This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution by the Constitutional Army (Constitucionalista) faction under the decree of February 12, 1914, representing the revolutionary government's attempt to establish financial authority during the conflict. The imagery—the national eagle and the Liberty cap—reflects the Constitutional Army's ideological emphasis on Mexican nationalism and democratic liberty against the backdrop of political upheaval. This particular issue represents a transitional monetary authority between the falling Díaz regime and the eventual establishment of the post-revolutionary Mexican state.
The obverse features the national emblem of Mexico: an eagle with spread wings perched on a nopal cactus, rendered against a mountain landscape backdrop, reflecting the design of the Mexican coat of arms. The eagle is surrounded by ornate neoclassical scrollwork and floral borders in the corners, with large numerals '5' in decorative rosettes marked 'CIRCULACION' (left) and an official circular seal marked 'PRIMER JEFE' and 'CONSTITUCIONAL DE MEXICO' (right). The reverse showcases a Liberty cap (Phrygian cap) with radiating light rays in a central circular emblem, a classical symbol of democratic freedom, surrounded by symmetrical ornamental patterns and multiple denomination markings. Corner rosettes again display the numeral '5' in decorative frames. A red security seal or stamp appears on the left side of the reverse.
FRONT: 'EJERCITO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE MEXICO' (Constitutional Army of Mexico) | 'SERIE B' (Series B) | 'N° 93621' (Serial Number 93621) | 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos) | 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) | 'JEFE DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE HACIENDA' (Chief of the Treasury Department) | 'que la tesoreria recibirá y pagará de acuerdo con el decreto del 12 de febrero de 1914' (that the treasury will receive and pay in accordance with the decree of February 12, 1914) | 'CIRCULACION' (Circulation) | 'PRIMER JEFE' (First Chief) | 'CONSTITUCIONAL DE MEXICO' (Constitutional of Mexico) | BACK: 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos—appears multiple times) | 'ESTE BILLETE ACUERDO CON DE 12 DE FE-BRERO DE 1914' (This note in accordance with February 12, 1914) | 'CIRCULARADE EL DECRETO' (Will circulate by decree) | 'LIBERTAD' (Liberty) | 'PESOS' (Pesos)
This note was produced using engraved intaglio printing, as evidenced by the fine line work, intricate scrollwork, crisp denominational numerals, and the characteristic depth and detail visible throughout both sides. The precision of the border patterns, the delicate engraving of the central emblems, and the multiple color application (black, green, red) indicate professional bank note security printing. The specific printer for Constitutional Army issues of 1914 is consistent with Mexican government security printers of the period, though documentary attribution would require specialized archival research.
This example is identified as Series B (SERIE B) with serial number 93621. Known varieties of the Ejercito Constitucionalista 5 Pesos P-S524 include different series designations and serial number ranges. The presence of multiple authorized signatures (Tesorero General and Jefe del Departamento de Hacienda) on the obverse may vary between specimens. Collectors should note variations in red seal placement and intensity on the reverse. The specific series and serial number combination may be useful for cataloging purposes but does not represent a recognized major variety affecting value significantly.
