50 centavos= 4 reales 1876

Common. While regional Mexican state credit notes from Tamaulipas are historically significant, this particular denomination and issue (Pick S428C) shows no evidence of extreme scarcity. The eBay market data indicates typical pricing in the $39-$70 USD range for comparable examples, which is consistent with affordable collectible banknotes rather than scarce material. The AU condition grade and visible circulation history (postmark, wear) are typical of surviving examples from this period, suggesting adequate quantities were produced and have survived to the present day.

This note was issued during Mexico's post-Reform period (post-1876), when regional states exercised greater financial autonomy and issued their own credit instruments. Tamaulipas, a northern frontier state, utilized this credit mechanism as a form of local currency to facilitate commerce when national currency was scarce. The handwritten signatures and postmark indicate this was an active, circulating instrument rather than a specimen, reflecting the practical reliance on such regional credit notes during Mexico's transitional financial period.

The obverse features a sophisticated ornamental frame design consisting of repeating circular/scalloped patterns forming a decorative border around all edges—a hallmark of mid-19th century Mexican banknote security design. The central field contains horizontally-lined engraved background work creating a fine texture, upon which printed and handwritten banking information was applied. This design approach, common to Tamaulipas state credit notes, combined artistic ornamentation with security engraving to prevent counterfeiting. The reverse is utilitarian, with minimal printing, typical of regional credit notes where resources were focused on the obverse security features.

Front side: Serial number '4740' visible in upper left corner. Illegible handwritten signatures and cursive text in Spanish appear across the center portion, typical of authorization and endorsement marks on period credit notes. A circular postmark or cancellation stamp is visible in the upper right area with text not clearly legible in the provided image. Back side: Predominantly blank with faint marks or collection stamps in the upper right corner, text not clearly readable.

This note was produced using traditional engraved intaglio printing for the border and background elements, evident from the fine horizontal line work and scalloped pattern detail. The base paper appears hand-colored or tinted during manufacture in the characteristic pink/mauve shade. Handwritten elements, signatures, and the postmark were applied post-printing through cursive script and stamp impression, reflecting the semi-custom nature of regional credit instruments that combined machine printing with manual authorization.

This example is serial number 4740, representing one specific printing from this state credit issue. Varieties of Tamaulipas state notes typically include different serial number ranges, signature combinations, and postmark variations. The circular postmark visible on this example may indicate a specific distribution center or processing location. The handwritten signatures, though illegible in the current image, likely represent the authorizing officials and would be a key identifying feature for distinguishing individual examples and establishing series/variety information.