Mexico – State of Chihuahua 1914 5 Pesos "Dos Caritas" (Serie C, Control R-M)

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

• Denomination: 5 Pesos (Cinco Pesos)

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

• Series: Serie C

• Catalog Reference: Pick # S537

• Serial Number: № 505196 (Printed in red typography at lower left and lower right)

• Face Portraits:

  • Left: Abraham González (Governor of Chihuahua and key revolutionary ally to Pancho Villa)

  • Right: Francisco I. Madero (President of Mexico, martyred during the 1913 coup)

• Reverse Vignette: The Chihuahua State Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno) printed in burnt orange / terracotta red.

• Reverse Markings & Cachets:

  • Black circular seal: Tesorería General del Estado - Chihuahua (Right flank) with eagle and serpent emblem

  • Black series control overprint: R-M (Left flank)

  • Period ink endorsement: A handwritten signature/rubric in black ink above the Treasury seal

  • Center: Plain courtyard (no datestamp)

Technical & Visual Assessment

• Technical Grade: Fine to Very Fine (F 15 – VF 20)

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Folds & Creasing: Distinct vertical center fold with noticeable paper softening along the fold axis, accompanied by moderate circulation waviness.

  • Margins & Edges: Complete margins with intact borders. Minor micro-nicks along the upper center margin near the fold apex, but free of large tears or paper loss.

  • Surface Condition: Light, honest handling grime and warm natural age-toning across both faces. Scattered tiny dark foxing specks visible across the reverse courtyard.

  • Print & Stamping: Good contrast on the obverse green/blue-gray intaglio borders and portraits. The reverse black stamps (R-M and the Chihuahua Treasury seal) remain crisp and legible against the terracotta plate.