50 centavos 1914
About This Note
This is a 50 centavos note issued by the Estado de Durango in December 1914, representing an important piece of Mexican Revolutionary-era currency. The front displays classical ornate typography with official government seals and handwritten signatures, while the reverse showcases an intricately engraved Mexican national eagle within a circular medallion, surrounded by elaborate decorative borders. In VF condition, the note shows appropriate age-related foxing and discoloration consistent with a 110-year-old banknote, with the blue and red inks faded but legible and the overall design clearly visible.
Common. State of Durango issues from 1914 are relatively well-documented in numismatic catalogs, and this denomination and series represent standard circulation issues rather than emergency notes or short-run special issues. No specific evidence suggests limited production, recalled status, or exceptional rarity for this Pick number. Notes from this issuer and period are encountered with reasonable frequency in the collector market.
This note was issued during the Mexican Revolution under the authority of the State of Durango, specifically conforming to a decree issued on December 12, 1913. The Mexican national eagle depicted on the reverse represents state sovereignty during a period of political fragmentation when regional governments issued their own currency as the central government's authority weakened. The formal governmental inscriptions—referencing the Governor, General Director of Revenue, and General Secretary—reflect the attempt to maintain institutional legitimacy despite the broader chaos of the revolutionary period.
The obverse features a formal bearer-note design typical of early 20th-century Mexican state currency, with the denomination and issuing authority presented in large serif typography centered on the note. The design incorporates a wave pattern background and an ornate scalloped border frame, with designated spaces for official stamps and three handwritten signatures representing the Government, Revenue Director, and General Secretary. The reverse presents a more elaborate engraved design centered on the Mexican national eagle (águila nacional) displayed in profile within a circular medallion, surrounded by symmetrical decorative floral and geometric patterns, with the denomination '50' in the lower corners flanking the word 'CENTAVOS'. The fine line engraving throughout suggests professional bank-note production standards.
FRONT: 'EL ESTADO DE DURANGO' (The State of Durango) / 'PAGARA AL PORTADOR LA CANTIDAD DE' (Will pay to the bearer the amount of) / '50 CENTAVOS' (50 centavos) / 'SERIE E' (Series E) / 'No 62245' (Number 62245) / 'DURANGO. DICIEMBRE DE 1914' (Durango, December 1914) / 'CONFORME AL DECRETO DE 12 DE DICIEMBRE DE 1913' (In accordance with the Decree of December 12, 1913) / 'EL GOBERNADOR PROVEE' (The Governor provides) / 'EL DIRECTOR GRAL. DE RENTAS' (The General Director of Revenue) / 'SECRETARIO GRAL.' (General Secretary). BACK: '50 CENTAVOS' (50 centavos).
Intaglio engraving (line engraving) for both sides, evident from the fine detail work, ornamental borders, and the crisp impression of the central eagle medallion on the reverse. The combination of engraved elements with letterpress typography for the main inscriptions suggests a mixed printing approach common to state-issued currency of this period. The wave pattern background and decorative elements show characteristics of steel engraving with skilled craftsmanship.
Series E, Number 62245. The visual analysis indicates this is a standard issue from the December 1914 emission. No overprints, special markings, or anomalies are apparent that would distinguish this as a distinct variety. The specific serial number and series designation should be recorded for catalog purposes, but no known major varieties for P-S739 have been identified from the visual evidence presented.
