5 pesos 1915
About This Note
This 5 Pesos note from 1915 issued by the Ejercito Constitucionalista's Division de Occidente in Guadalajara represents a fascinating piece of Mexican Revolutionary currency. The note displays the characteristic ornate engraving of the period with a bearded male portrait and allegorical female figure on the front, complemented by a dramatic scene of armed figures in a wooded setting on the back, flanked by eagle medallions. In VG condition, the note shows significant aging with foxing, creasing, and paper discoloration typical of circulated Revolutionary-era currency, with a notable red circular stamp visible on the reverse.
Common. While this note represents an interesting historical artifact from the Mexican Revolution, the Ejercito Constitucionalista's Division de Occidente issued these notes in substantial quantities during their control of Guadalajara (approximately 1915-1916). The Pick catalog designation P-S861 indicates this is a cataloged variety but not a scarce one. VG condition examples are typical of surviving examples from this issuer, as most circulated heavily during the revolutionary period. Revolutionary-era Mexican military scrip from major factions generally remains affordable and commonly encountered in the market.
This note was issued during the height of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) by the Constitutional Army's Division of the West, reflecting the decentralized currency production that occurred when regional military factions controlled territory around Guadalajara. The inscriptions referencing 'General in Chief' and the military treasury emphasize this note's role as military scrip rather than official government currency. The imagery on the reverse depicting armed men in a forest landscape likely commemorates the revolutionary struggle and agrarian themes central to the Constitutionalist cause.
The front features an ornate border with intricate scrollwork and floral elements in the Art Nouveau style typical of the period. The left portrait depicts a bearded gentleman in formal 19th-century attire, likely a military or political figure of the Constitutional forces. The right side shows a seated allegorical female figure (representing Liberty or the Republic), a common motif in Latin American currency of the era. A central circular ornamental element separates the two portraits, with the denomination prominently displayed. Four decorative corner medallions with laurel wreath designs frame the composition in black and gray with pinkish-red tinting. The reverse presents a more dramatic composition featuring multiple armed figures (soldiers or revolutionaries) in a forested landscape, symbolizing the military struggle. Circular eagle medallions flank this central scene on both sides—these eagles are quintessential Mexican national symbols. The overall design palette shifts to blue and cream tones on the reverse with ornate geometric border patterns.
FRONT: 'LA PAGADURIA GRAL DEL CUERPO' (The General Treasury of the Corps), 'DEL BRUTO DEL MONOPOLIO' (Of the Gross of the Monopoly), 'SERIE D' (Series D), 'PAGARA A LA VISTA' (Will Pay on Sight), 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos), 'GRAL EN JEFE' (General in Chief), 'No 531280' (Number 531280 - appears twice). BACK: 'CINCO PESOS' (Five Pesos - appears at top and bottom).
Steel engraving and letterpress printing, characteristic of high-security banknote production of the 1910s. The fine line work visible in the background areas, the complex ornamental borders, and the detailed portrait and scenic imagery all indicate traditional intaglio engraving techniques. The printing shows the quality expected of military scrip issued by the Constitutionalist forces, likely produced by Mexican printers with access to engraving equipment. The red serial numbers and potential overprinting visible on the reverse suggest multiple passes through the printing press.
Series D is noted on the obverse, indicating this belongs to the fourth series of this denomination issued by this authority. The serial number 531280 places this note within the mid-range of the print run for this series. No overprints or additional signatures are visible that would indicate a sub-variety. The red circular stamp on the reverse may represent a post-issue validation mark or cancellation, which could indicate this note saw official handling or archival purposes before entering circulation or collections.
