5 pesos 1914

Common. The Estado de Chihuahua issued multiple series and denominations of emergency currency during 1914-1915, and this note represents a standard production issue from Series M. The serial number 1719641 suggests a moderate print run, and these notes were produced in quantities sufficient to circulate as a regular state medium of exchange. While historically significant and desirable to Revolution-era collectors, no evidence suggests this particular variety was recalled, had limited production, or is scarce in today's market. Regional Mexican Revolution banknotes from established state issuers like Chihuahua are typically more common than notes from short-lived military factions or minor states.

The Estado de Chihuahua issued this emergency currency under military decree during the height of the Mexican Revolution, when northern states operated semi-autonomously and issued their own banknotes. The neoclassical building depicted on the reverse represents the General Treasury (Tesorería General) of Chihuahua, symbolizing state administrative authority during a period when federal currency was unreliable. The dual portrait imagery and emphasis on official signatures (Gobernador, Tesorero General, Interventor) underscore the note's role as a guarantor of state financial stability amid national upheaval.

The obverse features a balanced composition with two bearded male portraits in oval frames—likely representing state officials or historical figures important to Chihuahua. The left portrait depicts a gentleman with a full beard in formal attire, while the right shows a figure with a prominent mustache, both framed within ornate oval medallions. The central text area contains the state's promise to pay in Spanish, with large denominal '5' figures in both bottom corners accompanied by decorative shield elements bearing 'V' symbols. The reverse presents a formal neoclassical government building with columned portico and pediment, surrounded by landscaping and contained within a rectangular architectural frame—representative of state treasury authority. All four corners display star symbols within circular badges, and the official seal of the Tesorería General occupies the left side. The color scheme of pink/rose with black engraving and blue accents reflects the period's banknote aesthetic standards.

FRONT: 'El Estado de Chihuahua pagará al portador, en efectivo, Cinco Pesos, conforme al Decreto Militar de fecha 10 de Febrero de 1914' (The State of Chihuahua will pay to the bearer, in cash, Five Pesos, in accordance with the Military Decree dated February 10, 1914). 'Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico' / 'Serie M' / 'Junio 1915' (Series M, June 1915). Serial number: 1719641. Signature lines for Tesorero General (General Treasurer), Gobernador (Governor), and Interventor (Auditor/Inspector). BACK: 'Cinco Pesos' (Five Pesos) in corners. 'Tesorería General del Estado de Chihuahua' (General Treasury of the State of Chihuahua) within official seal. Date: '9-1-15' (September 1, 1915). Designation: 'NBV-E'.

This note employs intaglio engraving, the standard security printing method for Latin American banknotes of the 1914-1915 period. The fine line work visible in the portraits, architectural details, ornamental borders, and denomination numerals indicates steel plate engraving. The red-ink serial numbers (1719641) were applied separately, suggesting a multi-pass printing process. While the specific printer is not identified in the Pick catalog reference provided, Chihuahua state notes of this era were typically produced by regional printers or occasionally contracted to Mexico City printing establishments capable of security work.

This note is Series M, dated June 1915, with serial number 1719641. The Pick catalog designation P-S532A indicates this is a recognized variety within the Chihuahua 5 pesos issue. The 'A' suffix likely differentiates it from other varieties by signature combination, date variant, or series designation. The reverse date of '9-1-15' (September 1, 1915) differs from the obverse's 'Junio 1915' (June 1915), suggesting the reverse was prepared or printed at a later date—a common occurrence in multi-pass banknote production. Collectors should note the specific series designation and serial number range to identify different printings within this denomination.