Product Description:
MetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of Latin American currency with this Mexico 5 Pesos Banknote dated October 27, 1971, issued by Banco de México and featuring an iconic engraved portrait of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (1768–1829) — one of the most revered heroines of the Mexican War of Independence, known throughout Mexico as "La Corregidora" for her pivotal role in the country's liberation from Spanish colonial rule.
(PSV 20)
This note represents a fascinating chapter in Mexican monetary history — issued during the era of the "Old Peso" (peso viejo), before the major currency reform and devaluation of 1993 that introduced the modern Mexican Peso. The 5 Pesos denomination from this era circulated widely during the presidency of Luis Echeverría Álvarez (1970–1976), a transformative period marked by economic nationalism, social reform, and the rise of Mexico's oil-driven economy. This note is especially notable for honoring a female national hero — a meaningful recognition of women's central role in Mexican independence.
This particular example is housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly presented within a handsome wood display frame with a black matted backdrop, transforming it into a finished showcase piece ready for immediate display. The note exhibits natural signs of age and circulation consistent with its vintage, with subtle toning and paper texture variations that enhance its authenticity and historical character. Only one note is available, and it bears a unique serial number, making this a truly one-of-one collectible offering.
Note Information
- Country: Mexico (Estados Unidos Mexicanos)
- Denomination: 5 Pesos (Cinco Pesos) — Old Peso (MXP)
- Date of Issue: October 27, 1971 (27 de Octubre de 1971)
- Type: Banco de México Banknote
- Series: 1AB
- Serial Number: B5881780
- Portrait: Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (1768–1829) — "La Corregidora," Heroine of Mexican Independence
- Issuing Authority: Banco de México, S.A.
- Place of Issue: México, D.F. (Mexico City)
- Issuer: United Mexican States
- Paper Type: High-quality cotton banknote paper
- Status: Demonetized (replaced by New Peso in 1993)
- Presentation: Rigid currency holder mounted within a wood display frame
- Availability: One (1) note only
Design Details
Obverse: Features a finely engraved portrait of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez on the right side, depicted in traditional early 19th-century attire befitting her stature as a colonial-era noblewoman and revolutionary heroine. The inscription "EL BANCO DE MÉXICO S.A." appears prominently at the top, identifying the issuing authority. The bold numeral "5" appears in ornamental cartouches at both corners, with the denomination "CINCO PESOS" displayed at the center alongside the legal tender clause "PAGARÁ A LA VISTA AL PORTADOR" ("Will pay at sight to the bearer"). The serial number B5881780 appears in red ink at both sides of the note. The issue date "27 OCT. 1971" and the place of issue "MEXICO, D.F." are clearly displayed beneath the central design, alongside the series designation "SERIE 1AB." Three official signatures appear at the lower portion: Consejero (Board Member), Interventor de la Comisión Nacional Bancaria (Comptroller of the National Banking Commission), and Cajero (Cashier). The signature "SANTANA" appears at the bottom, identifying the engraver.
Reverse: Displays a magnificent engraved view of Querétaro — the historic colonial city that played a central role in the Mexican War of Independence — featuring the iconic Querétaro Aqueduct (Acueducto de Querétaro), built in the early 18th century and recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cityscape is flanked on the left by detailed botanical engravings of agave plants (representing Mexico's iconic native flora and the source of tequila and mezcal), while the right side features a striking pre-Columbian-style depiction of an Aztec eagle warrior in traditional ceremonial regalia. The inscription "BANCO DE MÉXICO S.A." appears beneath the central design, with "cinco pesos" displayed at the top and the bold numeral "5" at both corners. The reverse beautifully unites Mexico's colonial architectural heritage with its indigenous cultural legacy.
Historical Significance
The Mexico 5 Pesos 1971 banknote carries significant historical and cultural weight, combining numismatic appeal with deep ties to one of the most important figures in Mexican independence history — and one of the first prominent women to appear on Mexican currency.
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez "La Corregidora" (1768–1829): Born in Valladolid (modern Morelia, Michoacán), Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez was one of the principal heroines of the Mexican War of Independence and is honored throughout Mexico as "La Corregidora" — a title derived from her husband's position as the Corregidor (chief magistrate) of Querétaro. Her contributions to Mexican independence are legendary:
- Hosted secret revolutionary meetings in her Querétaro home, where independence leaders including Ignacio Allende, Miguel Hidalgo, and Juan Aldama planned the uprising against Spanish colonial rule
- Warned the conspirators when Spanish authorities discovered the plot in September 1810 — by sending a message through a locked door — allowing Hidalgo to launch the "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores) on September 16, 1810, the event that started the Mexican War of Independence
- Imprisoned by Spanish authorities for her role in the conspiracy, she remained defiant throughout her imprisonment and continued to support the independence movement
- Honored on Mexican currency, postage stamps, monuments, and even a state capital — the city of Querétaro de Arteaga is officially named in part for her legacy
Her face on this 5 Pesos note represents Mexico's enduring reverence for the women who shaped the country's independence — and makes this note historically meaningful as one of the early Mexican banknotes to feature a female national hero in a primary portrait position.
The Querétaro Aqueduct: The reverse design's depiction of the Querétaro Aqueduct is more than decorative — it directly references La Corregidora's adopted home city, where she lived and conducted her revolutionary activities. The aqueduct, built between 1726 and 1738, stretches over 1.28 kilometers and consists of 74 massive arches, some reaching 23 meters high. It remains one of the most iconic colonial structures in Mexico and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
The Old Peso Era (1971 Context): The 1971 series 5 Pesos note was issued during the presidency of Luis Echeverría Álvarez (1970–1976), a period marked by economic nationalism, social reform, and the early signs of the economic instability that would later define Mexico's "Lost Decade" of the 1980s. At the time of this note's issuance, the Mexican Peso traded at approximately 12.5 pesos to the U.S. dollar, and the 5 Pesos denomination represented meaningful everyday purchasing power for Mexican citizens.
The 1993 Currency Reform: In January 1993, Mexico underwent a major monetary reform under President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, introducing the "New Peso" (Nuevo Peso) at a rate of 1,000 old pesos to 1 new peso. This reform was implemented to address the dramatic devaluation of the peso during the 1980s and to simplify everyday commerce. As a result, all pre-1993 Mexican banknotes — including this 1971 5 Pesos note — were eventually demonetized and removed from circulation. While Banco de México has historically maintained exchange windows for older currency, these notes are no longer legal tender in everyday transactions, elevating their status as collectible historical artifacts of pre-reform Mexican monetary history.
Indigenous and Colonial Heritage: The reverse design's combination of the Querétaro Aqueduct (representing colonial Spanish architecture), agave plants (representing indigenous Mexican flora and culture), and the Aztec eagle warrior (representing pre-Columbian heritage) creates a powerful visual narrative of Mexico's layered cultural identity. This artistic synthesis of indigenous, colonial, and revolutionary themes is characteristic of mid-20th-century Mexican banknote design and reflects the country's enduring pride in its multi-faceted historical heritage.
Banco de México: Founded in 1925, Banco de México is the central bank of Mexico, with sole authority to issue Mexican currency. Headquartered in Mexico City, it remains one of the most respected central banks in Latin America and a foundational institution of Mexican economic policy. Notes bearing Banco de México's authority represent the financial heritage of one of the largest economies in the Western Hemisphere.
Women on Currency: As one of the early Mexican banknotes to prominently feature a female national hero, this 5 Pesos note holds additional collector appeal for those interested in women's representation in currency — a category of numismatic collecting that has grown significantly in recent decades. La Corregidora's appearance on Mexican currency predates similar recognitions of women on most other Latin American banknotes, marking Mexico as a pioneer in honoring female heroes on its national money.
Presentation
This vintage Mexican banknote is securely housed in a protective rigid currency holder and elegantly mounted within a wood display frame with a black matted background, ready for immediate display on a desk, shelf, mantel, or wall. The framed setup protects the note while allowing full visibility of its design, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez portrait, Querétaro Aqueduct reverse engraving, and serial number. As with all MetalStacks offerings, the note has been carefully handled and verified for authenticity.
Because only one example is available, the exact note shown — including its distinct serial number and individual condition — is the note you will receive.
For additional details or collector inquiries, please contact MetalStacks at (561) 529-3001.