Mexico – State of Chihuahua 1914 1 Peso "Dos Caritas" (April 1, 1915, Dated Issue)

• Issuing Authority: State of Chihuahua (El Estado de Chihuahua) under General Francisco "Pancho" Villa

• Denomination: 1 Peso (Un Peso)

• Fixed Base Plate Date: 10 de Febrero de 1914 (Authorized under military decree)

• Actual Stamped Issue/Validation Date: 4-1-15 (April 1, 1915, hand-stamped in red at the center of the reverse)

• Catalog Reference: Pick # S534 / S535 (Specialized Mexican Revolutionary / Chihuahua State emissions)

• Serial Number: № 4982431 (Serie A)

• Face Portraits:

  • Left: Abraham González (Governor of Chihuahua, mentor to Villa, executed 1913)

  • Right: Francisco I. Madero (President of Mexico and revolutionary leader, assassinated 1913)

• Reverse Design & Markings:

  • Vignette: The Chihuahua State Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno)

  • Center Datestamp: Red ink stamp 4-1-15

  • Treasury Handstamp: Red scalloped seal reading Tesorería General del Estado - Chihuahua

  • Control Overprint: Red letters Y-XMJ on the left flank

Historical Context

• The "Dos Caritas" Legacy: This is the flagship paper currency of Pancho Villa’s División del Norte. Backed by cattle exports and confiscated land revenues, Villa mandated its circulation across northern Mexico on penalty of imprisonment or death for refusal.

• The Spring 1915 Crisis: While the engraved plate bears the original February 1914 decree date, counterfeiting had exploded by late 1914. In response, Villa’s treasury required genuine notes to receive dated red handstamps, control codes (Y-XMJ), and the official state seal.

• Wartime Crossroads: The 4-1-15 date specifically places this note's authentication into circulation during the opening days of April 1915—the very week Villa clashed with Álvaro Obregón at the fateful Battle of Celaya, which broke the military dominance of the División del Norte.