50 centavos 1915

Common. While this note represents emergency currency from a specific Mexican state during the revolutionary period, the Estado de Sonora notes from 1913-1915 were produced in sufficient quantity for fractional currency distribution. The visual analysis indicates this specific example shows significant circulation wear with foxing and creasing, which is typical of notes that circulated widely. No evidence of restricted print runs, early recalls, or short-lived issue periods that would elevate rarity. The series designation and serial number indicate part of an organized sequence, suggesting substantial issue quantities.

This note was issued under Decree Number 13 of August 27, 1913, representing emergency currency during Mexico's Mexican Revolution when the Estado de Sonora needed to issue its own fractional currency. The presence of signatures from the Governor, State Secretary, General Treasurer, and Auditor reflects the state's assertion of financial sovereignty during this tumultuous period. The American Bank Note Company imprint indicates that even during revolutionary chaos, Mexican states contracted with established international security printers to produce these notes.

The obverse features two unidentified male portraits positioned symmetrically on either side of the note—the left figure depicted with a full beard and formal attire, the right with a prominent mustache and similar formal dress, likely representing state officials of the period. The center displays an elaborate ornamental shield with the numeral 50, surrounded by intricate geometric and floral corner ornaments. Four circular emblems in the corners each contain the denomination number 50. The reverse showcases Mexico's national coat of arms—the iconic eagle with wings spread and a serpent in its beak—centered and flanked by a laurel wreath below, with matching ornamental corner designs. All security features consist of fine-line engraving work characteristic of American Bank Note Company's period output, with no modern security elements present.

FRONT SIDE: 'ESTADO DE SONORA' (State of Sonora); 'PAGARÁ AL PORTADOR EN GARANTÍA A LA EFECTIVIDAD' (Will pay to the bearer as a guarantee of effectiveness); 'CINCUENTA CENTAVOS' (Fifty centavos); 'CONFORME AL DECRETO NÚMERO 13 DE FECHA 27 DE AGOSTO DE 1913' (In accordance with Decree Number 13 dated August 27, 1913); 'HERMOSILLO, SONORA, MÉXICO, ENERO 1º DE 1915' (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, January 1, 1915); 'EL GOBERNADOR' (The Governor); 'EL SRIO. DE ESTADO INT.' (The State Secretary [Internal]); 'EL TESORERO GRAL. INT.' (The General Treasurer [Internal]); 'EL INTERVENTOR' (The Auditor); 'American Bank Note Co. New York' (American Bank Note Company, New York); Serial number '19329' and 'SERIE B' (Series B). REVERSE SIDE: 'CINCUENTA CENTAVOS' (Fifty centavos); 'REPÚBLICA MEXICANA' (Mexican Republic); 'ESTADO LIBRE Y SOBERANO DE SONORA' (Free and Sovereign State of Sonora); 'ESTADO DE SONORA' (State of Sonora); 'AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY, NEW YORK' (American Bank Note Company, New York).

Steel plate intaglio engraving, executed by the American Bank Note Company of New York. The obverse was printed in black ink and the reverse in green ink on light-colored paper stock. The intricate line work, fine detail in portrait rendering, and ornate border patterns are characteristic of classical security printing techniques of the early 20th century. No mechanical or photographic printing methods were employed.

This is Series B, Serial Number 19329. The note is dated January 1, 1915, from Hermosillo. Varieties for this Pick number (P-S1070) likely exist based on different series designations and serial number ranges. The presence of 'SERIE B' notation suggests at least Series A existed. Different signature combinations for the Governor, State Secretary, General Treasurer, and Auditor positions would constitute distinct varieties, as these officials changed during the revolutionary period. The green reverse color appears consistent with the standard design for this denomination and issuer.