5 pesos 1914
About This Note
A stunning uncirculated example of the 5 Pesos issued by the Estado de Chihuahua in 1914, featuring exceptional preservation with sharp detail and vibrant pink coloring throughout. The note displays dual portrait medallions of prominent figures on the obverse and a detailed classical government building on the reverse, representing the state's institutional authority during the Mexican Revolution period. This Series H January 1915 issue (serial 2282745) exemplifies the regional currency emergency emissions characteristic of Chihuahua's military administration.
Common. While revolutionary-period state issues from Chihuahua possess historical significance, this particular denomination and series appear in sufficient quantities in the numismatic market. The Series H January 1915 issue was likely produced in moderate quantities to serve regional commerce during the post-decree period. UNC examples command modest collector premiums reflecting condition rarity rather than absolute scarcity of the type itself.
This banknote was issued under the authority of a military decree dated February 10, 1914, during the height of the Mexican Revolution when Chihuahua was a center of revolutionary activity. The classical government building depicted on the reverse likely represents the Palacio de Gobierno or another significant state institution, symbolizing governmental continuity and fiscal legitimacy during a period of profound political upheaval. The note's existence reflects the state's necessity to issue its own currency when federal monetary systems were disrupted by revolutionary conflict.
The obverse features a classical bilaterally symmetrical design with two male portrait medallions positioned left and right of center—the left figure wearing a beard in formal attire, the right bearing a mustache, likely representing state officials or prominent figures of the Chihuahua administration. The central denomination 'CINCO PESOS' dominates the composition with ornamental coats of arms in the lateral margins. Circular emblems marked 'CINCO' appear in the upper corners, while signature blocks for the Tesorero General (General Treasurer), Gobernador (Governor), and Interventor (Auditor) anchor the lower portion. The reverse showcases a detailed engraved rendering of a monumental classical government building with multiple stories, columned facade, and architectural grandeur, populated with crowds of figures in the foreground—representing state institutional permanence. The entire design is rendered in finely executed line engraving against a rose-pink background, with decorative floral and scroll borders framing the composition. All four corners on the reverse contain circular medallions marked 'CINCO PESOS,' while an official seal bearing the Mexican eagle and 'TESORERIA GENERAL DE ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' appears on the left side.
FRONT: 'EL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (The State of Chihuahua) | 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay the bearer in cash) | 'CINCO PESOS' (Five pesos) | 'CONFORME AL DECRETO MILITAR DE FECHA 10 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' (In accordance with the military decree dated February 10, 1914) | 'CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO' (Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico) | 'SERIE H ENERO 1915' (Series H January 1915) | Serial number '2282745' | 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) | 'GOBERNADOR' (Governor) | 'INTERVENTOR' (Auditor). BACK: 'CINCO PESOS' (Five pesos, appearing in all four corners) | 'TESORERIA GENERAL DE ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (General Treasury of the State of Chihuahua).
Steel engraving and letterpress printing on colored paper stock. The fine detail observable throughout—particularly in the architectural rendering, portrait medallions, and ornamental border patterns—is consistent with high-quality intaglio engraving typical of the period. The sharp, clear impression of all elements and the crisp line work visible in the visual analysis indicate professional security printing, likely executed by a Mexico City or international security printer contracted by the Chihuahua state treasury. The color separation (pink base with black engraved elements) suggests a two-pass printing process.
This specimen represents Series H, January 1915 printing, distinguishing it from earlier series and printings of the same 5 Pesos denomination. The serial number 2282745 is unique to this individual note. No overprints are visible. Pick catalog designation P-S532a indicates this as the standard variety of the 5 Pesos, 1914 (1915) issue from Chihuahua. The date discrepancy between the decree date (February 10, 1914) and the series printing date (January 1915) is typical for notes issued under emergency conditions, where legislation preceded actual currency production.
