5 pesos 1914
About This Note
This is a striking example of a 5 pesos banknote issued by the Estado de Chihuahua in 1914, rendered in vibrant pink and red tones characteristic of Mexican state currency from the Revolutionary era. The note displays excellent artistic engraving with dual portrait medallions on the obverse and a classical architectural rendering on the reverse, while the AU condition grade reflects light age-related wear including minor foxing and creasing consistent with a historical artifact that has seen modest circulation. The Series H designation and January 1915 printing date make this a particularly interesting artifact from Mexico's turbulent transition period during the Revolution.
Common. Chihuahua state currency issued during the Mexican Revolution was produced in substantial quantities for circulation in the state during 1914-1915. While these notes are now historical artifacts, the series appears in standard catalogs with regular-issue Pick numbers (P-S532e), indicating multiple denominations and series were struck. AU condition examples appear with moderate frequency in the market for Mexican Revolutionary-era state notes, and there is no evidence of restricted print runs, early recalls, or extraordinary scarcity that would elevate this above common status. Notes from this period and issuer are collected but not particularly difficult to locate.
This banknote was issued by Chihuahua state under military authority during the Mexican Revolution, as evidenced by the inscription referencing a military decree from February 1914. The classical palace building depicted on the reverse likely represents the Chihuahua state treasury or government building, symbolizing the state's assertion of financial authority during a period of political fragmentation. The note's existence reflects the broader phenomenon of Mexican state and regional governments issuing their own currency during the Revolution when central authority was contested, with this particular series printed in January 1915 as the conflict continued to reshape Mexico's political landscape.
The obverse features an ornate pink and black color scheme with dual portrait medallions positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides, likely depicting prominent Chihuahua state officials or revolutionary leaders from the period. Both figures display formal attire with facial hair typical of early 20th-century Mexican officials. The center contains authoritative text in Spanish identifying the issuer and guaranteeing redemption in cash. Decorative corner ornaments display the Roman numeral V and the Arabic numeral 5, with elaborate scrollwork and flourishes throughout the border frame, characteristic of Belle Époque engraving style. The reverse presents a bright pink and magenta design centered on a classical two-story building with columned portico and landscaping elements, flanked by decorative vegetation. The official seal of the Tesorería General (General Treasury) appears on the left side in dark blue, with circular denomination frames in each corner. The architectural rendering reflects formal government authority and legitimacy, while the scalloped security borders add an additional layer of ornamentation typical of Mexican state currency design.
FRONT SIDE: 'CINCO' (Five) / 'EL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (The State of Chihuahua) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR EN EFECTIVO' (Will pay to the bearer in cash) / 'CINCO PESOS' (Five pesos) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO MILITAR DE FECHA 10 DE FEBRERO DE 1914' (According to military decree dated February 10, 1914) / 'SERIE H' (Series H) / 'ENERO 1915' (January 1915) / 'CHIHUAHUA, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO' (Chihuahua, Chihuahua, Mexico) / Serial number: 2378689 / 'TESORERO GENERAL' (General Treasurer) / 'GOBERNADOR' (Governor) / 'INTERVENTOR' (Comptroller/Inspector). BACK SIDE: 'CINCO PESOS' (Five pesos) / 'TESORERIA GENERAL DEL ESTADO DE CHIHUAHUA' (General Treasury of the State of Chihuahua) / Date stamp: '4-12-15' (December 4, 1915) / 'JAR K' (appears to be official initials or marking).
Steel plate engraving with fine line work throughout, evidenced by the detailed ornamental patterns, architectural rendering, and portrait medallions observed in the visual analysis. The crisp borders, elaborate scrollwork, and precise line weights are consistent with skilled intaglio engraving work typical of Mexican banknote production during this period. The red serial number and multi-color printing (pink, magenta, blue, black) suggest this was produced using traditional banknote printing methods with separate plates for each color, likely by a Mexican security printer with experience in state currency production. The fine detail and registration precision indicate professional-level banknote manufacturing despite the note's issue during wartime conditions.
Series H variant with serial number 2378689, printed in January 1915 per the obverse inscription. The date stamp on the reverse shows '4-12-15' (December 4, 1915), which may indicate a later validation or processing date rather than the printing date. The specific Series H designation should be verified against Pick catalog records for known varieties within P-S532e. Serial number prefixes and series letters may indicate multiple printings; collectors of Mexican state currency should consult specialized references on Chihuahua issues to identify any premium varieties within this Pick number.
