Mexican Paper Money - A Comprehensive Overview

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Detail view of multiple Mexican 500 Peso banknotes showcasing currency design and value.
Credit: pexels.com, Detail view of multiple Mexican 500 Peso banknotes showcasing currency design and value.

Mexican paper money has a rich history dating back to 1823 when the first peso was introduced.

The Mexican peso was initially pegged to the Spanish dollar, which was widely accepted in Mexico at the time.

One of the most iconic Mexican banknotes is the 500-peso note, featuring the image of José María Morelos, a key figure in Mexico's fight for independence.

The Mexican government has introduced several new banknote designs over the years, with the most recent series introduced in 2018.

Additional reading: Mexican Peso Coins

History of Mexican Currency

The first peso note was introduced in Mexico on January 1, 1823, with a value of 8 Mexican reales. It was predominantly white in color with black ink, and displayed the coat of arms of Mexico on the obverse.

The Republic of Mexico introduced its first 1 peso note in 1936, which had dimensions of 156 millimeters in width by 68 millimeters in height. This note was printed by the American Banknote Company.

In the 1980s, Mexico's currency was denominated in hundreds and thousands, and $50,000 peso notes were commonplace.

Devaluation in the 1980s and 1990s

Credit: youtube.com, Economics | What happened to Mexico in 1994?

Mexico's economy faced significant challenges in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to devaluation of its currency, the peso. The peso was denominated in hundreds and thousands at the time.

In the 1980s, Mexico's currency was so devalued that $50,000 peso notes were common. $100,000 peso bank notes were even issued by the Bank of Mexico, worth about US$33 at the time.

The devaluation had a lasting impact on Mexico's economy.

Banco de Coahuila 1898-1914

The Banco de Coahuila 1898-1914 issue is an interesting piece of Mexican currency history. This banknote was printed by the American Bank Note Company.

The denomination of this banknote is 10 Pesos. The issue date was 1914, according to the records. It's worth noting that the Banco de Coahuila was a real bank that operated from 1898 to 1914.

The banknote features an Allegorical Woman (Commerce) on the front, designed by Arizpe and Cepeda. On the back, you'll find a Cowboy Herding Cattle scene. This artwork is a unique aspect of this banknote.

Additional reading: What Has a Bank with No Money?

Credit: youtube.com, ¡Conoce los BILLETES de México a través de su historia! 🇲🇽 // Jaime Díaz

Here are some key details about the Banco de Coahuila 1898-1914 issue:

  • Denomination: 10 Pesos
  • Issue Date: 1914
  • Reference: S196c
  • Authority: Banco de Coahuila
  • Printer: American Bank Note Company
  • Front: Arizpe and Cepeda - Allegorical Woman (Commerce)
  • Back: Cowboy Herding Cattle

This banknote was graded as Choice Very Fine 35 by the Professional Stamp and Coin Grading Service (PMG) in May 2020. It sold for $91.00.

Revolutionary 1913 Issue

The Revolutionary 1913 Issue of Mexican currency was a significant one. It was authorized by the Gobierno Constitucionalista de México - Monclova.

One peso was the denomination of this issue. The issue date was 1913. The reference number for this issue is S626.

This issue was graded as UNC - Seller Graded, indicating that it was in excellent condition. It was sold in December 2019 for $3.95.

1915 Issue

The 1915 Issue was a significant moment in Mexican currency history. In 1915, the Estado Libre y Soberano de Sinaloa issued a 5 Pesos denomination.

This denomination featured a unique design. The front of the note showcased a portrait of Benito Juárez alongside Francisco Ignacio Madero.

Credit: youtube.com, Banknotes & the Mexican Revolution: Oaxaca 1915

The back of the note carried a powerful message. The phrase "Liberty and Justice" was emblazoned across the design.

A total of four signatures adorned the 1915 Issue. Two of these signatures were printed, while the other two were handwritten.

Here's a breakdown of the signature types found on the 1915 Issue:

  • Two Printed Signatures
  • Two Handwritten Signatures

Britton & Rey was the printer responsible for producing the 1915 Issue. A treasury stamp was also applied to the back of the note.

Exchanging Old Currency

You can exchange old Mexican bank notes for present-day currency at the Bank of Mexico or at any of Mexico's retail banks.

The Bank of Mexico honors all genuine notes it issues, regardless of their date of emission, at present-day values.

To exchange old notes, you need to take them to a retail bank or the Bank of Mexico, as stores and traders won't accept them.

There's a limit to how many notes you can exchange at a retail bank: 500 individual notes or a present-day value of $3,000 pesos.

Credit: youtube.com, Mexico Banknotes / Mexican Peso bank notes paper money.

The present-day value of old notes varies, but some examples include:

  • a $1,000 peso note from the late 1970s/early 1980s is worth one Mexican peso today;
  • a $100,000 peso note from 1991 is exchangeable today for a current-day $100 peso note;
  • $1 and $5 peso notes from pre-1975 are worth fractions of a Mexican cent and are now mostly museum pieces and collectors’ items.

Collecting and Authenticating

Old bank notes from Mexico can command a premium over their present-day monetary value when sold to collectors, especially those in pristine condition.

Some collectors' markets, like eBay, can help you assess the current value of your old Mexican bank notes by browsing similar items.

A trade exists in collectors' markets for historical bank notes, including old bank notes from Mexico.

Old Bank Note Collector Markets

If you're looking to sell old bank notes, a trade exists in collectors' markets for historical bank notes, including old bank notes from Mexico.

Older notes, especially those in pristine condition, can command a premium over their present-day monetary value when sold to collectors.

You can browse old Mexican bank notes on sites like eBay to assess their current value and get an idea of what they might be worth.

Some older notes can be worth a significant amount, making it worth your while to research their value before selling or collecting them.

You can find a variety of old Mexican bank notes on eBay, which can help you determine their current value and make an informed decision about whether to sell or keep them.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Value of Money

Spotting Counterfeit Banknotes

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Spotting Counterfeit Banknotes can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can avoid getting landed with fake notes. Mexican banknotes carry a range of security features.

One key feature to look out for is the hologram strip, which is embedded with a hologram image of the Mexican coat of arms. This strip is difficult to replicate and is a clear indicator of authenticity.

To spot counterfeit banknotes, do a quick check for the security thread. This thread is woven into the paper and glows pink under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Understanding Mexican Currency

Mexican currency is a fascinating topic, and understanding it can make a big difference when traveling or living in Mexico. The official currency is the Mexican peso, which comes in both coins and banknotes.

Mexican banknotes are issued by the Bank of Mexico and feature a range of security features to prevent counterfeiting. To spot counterfeit banknotes, look out for a few key checks, such as the color-shifting ink and the holographic foil.

Credit: youtube.com, Pesos Mexican Money History of the Peso

The designs and denominations of Mexican banknotes have changed over time, but currently, there are banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos. Each banknote features an important Mexican figure, including Benito Juárez, José María Morelos, Nezahualcoyotl, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, and Miguel Hidalgo.

Here's a list of the current banknote denominations and the notable figures they feature:

What Are the Designs and Values of the Peso?

The Mexican peso comes in both coins and banknotes, with the banknotes featuring important Mexican figures. Each denomination depicts a unique individual who has made significant contributions to Mexico's history and culture.

The first series of banknotes, introduced in the past, included denominations ranging from 5 to 1000 pesos. Today, you'll find banknotes starting at 20 pesos.

The Bank of Mexico decided on the elements and denominations of each banknote, while the American Bank Note Company of New York designed the engravings. The designs are a reflection of Mexico's rich history and cultural heritage.

Here's a breakdown of the current banknote denominations and the individuals they feature:

Coins, on the other hand, start at 5 cents and go up to 20 pesos.

Banknotes

Credit: youtube.com, Explaining Mexican Currency 🇲🇽 Everything You Need to Know

The Bank of Mexico honors all genuine notes it issues, regardless of their date of emission, at present-day values. This means you can exchange old Mexican bank notes for their current-day value.

Old Mexican bank notes have varying values, depending on their denomination and age. For example, a $1,000 peso note from the late 1970s or early 1980s is worth only one Mexican peso today. On the other hand, a $100,000 peso note from 1991 is exchangeable for a current-day $100 peso note.

If you're looking to exchange old Mexican bank notes, you can check the Bank of Mexico's website for their current-day value. The website lists the present-day values of old Mexican bank notes.

Here are some examples of old Mexican bank notes and their current-day values:

It's worth noting that $1 and $5 peso notes from before 1975 are now mostly museum pieces and collectors' items, as they're no longer worth much in terms of their face value.

Discover more: Worth Money

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mexican paper money expire?

No, Mexican paper money does not expire. The Bank of Mexico honors all genuine notes, regardless of their date, at their present-day value.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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