Mexico – State of Chihuahua 1915 5 Pesos "Dos Caritas" (Serie H / Enero 1915, Control I-TMO)

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

• Denomination: 5 Pesos (Cinco Pesos)

• Plate Decree & Series Date:

  • Base Military Decree: 10 de Febrero de 1914

  • Issue Date: SERIE H / ENERO 1915 (Flanking the central decree text)

• Catalog Reference: Pick # S537b

• Serial Number: № 1336945 (Printed in sharp red typography at lower left and lower right)

• Face Portraits:

  • Left: Abraham González (Governor of Chihuahua and close ally of Pancho Villa)

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

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

• Reverse Markings & Cachets:

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

  • Black series control overprint: I-TMO (Left flank)

  • Center courtyard: Plain (no printed military datestamp)

Technical & Visual Assessment

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

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Paper Body & Structure: Good structural firmness remaining in the sheet, lying very flat with honest handling rather than excessive limpness.

  • Folds & Handling: Two distinct vertical folds, with mild horizontal waviness and light handling ripples along the edges.

  • Margins & Edges: Complete, intact outer margins without any missing chunks or margin tears. Corners exhibit minor softening and light circulation rounding.

  • Surface Condition: Warm, natural parchment toning and light circulation soiling around the periphery, but free of pinholes, ink gouges, or severe stains.

  • Stamping Clarity: Both black verification marks are sharply stamped. The Tesorería General circular crest is crisp, and the I-TMO control block on the left is bold and unmistakable.