Catalog
5 Centavos Gobierno Constitucionalista de Mexico
| Issuer | Gobierno Constitucionalista de México |
|---|---|
| Year | 1914 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Reference(s) | P#S682 |
| Obverse description | Pink carton note with a central vignette of a standing allegorical figure of Justice, blindfolded and holding scales and a sword, set against a faint cloud underprint. The arched legend 'GOBIERNO CONSTITUCIONALISTA DE MEXICO' curves around the upper portion, with 'TRANSITORIO' running vertically on both lateral borders. The denomination '5¢' appears in each corner, and the series letter and serial number are printed in red at the lower left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Pink carton reverse centered on the Mexican national arms, an eagle perched on a cactus with wings spread, holding a serpent in its beak, rendered in intaglio-style letterpress. The inscription 'REPUBLICA MEXICANA' arches across the upper field, while 'VALE 5 CENTAVOS' is printed in bold block letters along the lower register. The denomination '5¢' repeats in each corner within decorative frames. |
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| Comments |
The Constitutionalist government under Carranza produced enormous quantities of small-denomination cartón notes in 1914 as fractional coinage disappeared almost entirely from circulation — hoarded, melted, or simply overwhelmed by the chaos of competing revolutionary factions each printing their own paper. These cardboard-stock pieces were emergency expedients, issued regionally and often by local military commanders operating under loose Constitutionalist authority, which means attribution and authentication are genuinely difficult. Condition issues are endemic to the type: the cartón stock absorbs moisture, warps, and splits at corners far more readily than conventional banknote paper.
The S-prefix in the Pick reference places this firmly in the specialized revolutionary scrip category — not a product of any established banking institution.