Mexico – State of Chihuahua 1914 1 Peso "Dos Caritas" (Serie A, Control H-OVX)

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

• Denomination: 1 Peso (Un Peso)

• Plate Decree Date: 10 de Febrero de 1914 (Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México)

• Series: Serie A

• Catalog Reference: Pick # S534 / S535

• Serial Number: № 2237482 (Printed in red typography at lower left and lower right)

• Face Portraits:

  • Left: Abraham González (Governor of Chihuahua and mentor to Villa)

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

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

• Reverse Control Markings:

  • Red circular scalloped seal: Tesorería General del Estado - Chihuahua (Right flank)

  • Red control series overprint: H-OVX (Left flank)

  • Center: Plain courtyard (no central red datestamp)

• Face Ink Offset: Clear red circular handstamp and block offset across both portrait ovals on the face, transferred when freshly stamped notes were stacked wet in the Chihuahua treasury office.

Technical & Visual Assessment

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

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Paper Body: Firm, fibrous paper with solid body and original texture.

  • Margins & Edges: Full margins intact on all four borders with square corners and no edge tears, chips, or pinholes.

  • Folds & Handling: Shows a light, clean vertical center fold and minor handling softening, but remains free of harsh horizontal folds or heavy wallet creasing.

  • Surface Toning: Natural, uniform light cream age-patina with no artificial washing or heavy staining.

  • Inking: Deep navy/slate-blue intaglio engraving. The red serials 2237482 and reverse control letters H-OVX are sharp and vivid.