Mexico 1916 1 Peso – Gobierno Provisional de México ("Infalsificable" Issue) – Pick # S708 – Very Fine (VF 20–25)

Item Overview

• Issuing Authority: Gobierno Provisional de México (Constitutionalist Government under Venustiano Carranza)

• Denomination: 1 Peso ("Un Peso")

• Decree Date (Face): México, 1 de Mayo de 1916

• Authorization Law (Back): "Este billete circulará conforme al decreto de 3 de Abril de 1916"

• Catalog Reference:

  • Standard Catalog of World Paper Money (Pick): Pick # S708

  • Specialized Reference: Mexican Revolutionary Scrip – "Infalsificables" (The Unforgeables) series

• Serial Numbers: Dual 7-digit numbers in bold red ink: Nº 4391201

• Series / Block: Serie O / Sub-block B

• Printer: American Bank Note Company (ABNC), New York (commissioned by Carranza to replace crude local revolutionary scrip with counterfeit-resistant intaglio plates)

• Vignettes & Iconography:

  • Obverse Center: Mexican Golden Eagle on nopal cactus clutching a snake over Lake Texcoco.

  • Obverse Left: Christopher Columbus statue (Monumento a Colón).

  • Obverse Lower Left: Pre-Columbian Olmec Colossal Head.

  • Reverse Center: Radiating Phrygian Liberty Cap adapted from the classic Mexican 1 Peso silver coin design.

  • Reverse Revalidation: Circular brown/violet treasury revalidation stamp visible on the upper-right section of the reverse back.

Condition & Visual Grade (Unsleeved Inspection)

• Assigned Technical Grade: Very Fine (VF 20 – VF 25)

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Uncovered inspection confirms original, firm paper body with strong intaglio black and green ink texture.

  • Shows typical period circulation: 3–4 vertical folds, a light horizontal center bend, and natural paper softening.

  • Intact border perimeters with no corner clipping, large edge tears, or missing paper segments.

  • Light, authentic edge patina and mild reddish-brown handling toning along the bottom margin edge (clearly visible on both face and back).

  • Dual red serial numbers remain sharp, vivid, and unfaded.