Product Description:
MetalStacks proudly presents a distinguished piece of Latin American currency with this Mexico 50 Pesos Banknote dated December 29, 1972, issued by Banco de México and featuring an iconic engraved portrait of Ignacio Allende y Unzaga (1769–1811) — a celebrated hero of the Mexican War of Independence whose contributions to Mexico's liberation from Spanish colonial rule made him one of the most revered figures in Mexican history.
(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 50 Pesos denomination from this era carried significant purchasing power and circulated widely during a period of substantial economic and political transformation in Mexico under President Luis Echeverría's administration.
The note was professionally engraved and printed by the legendary American Bank Note Company (ABNCo) of New York — one of the most prestigious security printing firms in the world, responsible for producing currency, stocks, bonds, and stamps for nations across the Americas throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The ABNCo imprint at the bottom of the note testifies to the high-quality steel-engraved production that defined this era of Mexican currency.
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: 50 Pesos (Cincuenta Pesos) — Old Peso (MXP)
- Date of Issue: December 29, 1972 (29 de Diciembre de 1972)
- Type: Banco de México Banknote
- Series: BNZ
- Series Code: 2-T-10
- Serial Number: W3792065
- Portrait: Ignacio Allende (1769–1811) — Hero of Mexican Independence
- Issuing Authority: Banco de México, S.A.
- Printer: American Bank Note Company (New York)
- Place of Issue: México, D.F. (Mexico City)
- Grade: Circulated
- 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 Ignacio Allende on the left side, depicted in his military uniform as a captain in the Spanish colonial army — a fitting tribute given his pivotal role in launching the Mexican independence movement. The inscription "EL BANCO DE MÉXICO, S.A." appears prominently at the top, identifying the issuing authority. The bold "50" denomination appears at the center, with the series notation "SERIE BNZ 2-T-10" flanking both sides. The serial number W3792065 appears in red ink on both sides of the note. The issue date "29 DE DICIEMBRE DE 1972" and the place of issue "MEXICO, D.F." are clearly displayed. The lower portion features the legal tender clause "PAGARÁ CINCUENTA PESOS A LA VISTA AL PORTADOR" ("Will pay fifty pesos at sight to the bearer"), accompanied by three official signatures: Consejero (Board Member), Interventor de la Comisión Nacional Bancaria (Comptroller of the National Banking Commission), and Cajero (Cashier). The American Bank Note Company imprint appears at the bottom, identifying the prestigious New York-based printer.
Reverse: Displays a magnificent engraved view of the Monumento a la Independencia (Angel of Independence) — Mexico City's iconic monument located on Paseo de la Reforma, commemorating the centennial of Mexican Independence. The central vignette is flanked by ornate "50" denomination cartouches on both sides, with "CINCUENTA PESOS" displayed prominently at each corner. The inscription "BANCO DE MÉXICO, S.A." appears beneath the central design, with "AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY" identifying the printer. The text "REDIMIBLE A LA PAR / INDEPENDENCIA" ("Redeemable at Par / Independence") references the historical context of the note. The reverse is printed in elegant blue-green ink with intricate guilloché security patterns, characteristic of high-end American Bank Note Company production.
Historical Significance
The Mexico 50 Pesos 1972 banknote carries significant historical and cultural weight, combining numismatic appeal with deep ties to Mexican independence heritage.
Ignacio Allende (1769–1811): Born in San Miguel el Grande (now San Miguel de Allende), Ignacio Allende was a captain in the Spanish colonial army who became one of the principal leaders of the Mexican War of Independence. Alongside Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, Allende helped launch the independence movement in September 1810 with the famous "Grito de Dolores" (Cry of Dolores). He later assumed military leadership of the insurgent forces after Hidalgo's death and continued the fight against Spanish colonial rule until his capture and execution by firing squad in 1811. His remains are interred at the Angel of Independence monument in Mexico City — the very monument depicted on the reverse of this note — and his hometown was renamed "San Miguel de Allende" in his honor. His face on Mexican currency represents the nation's enduring reverence for its founding heroes.
The Monument of Independence (El Ángel): The monument depicted on the reverse — known popularly as "El Ángel de la Independencia" — was inaugurated in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of Mexico's independence from Spain. Designed by Mexican architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, the 36-meter (118-foot) column is topped by a gilded bronze statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, holding a laurel crown and a broken chain symbolizing freedom from colonial rule. The monument serves as the mausoleum for the heroes of Mexican independence, including Ignacio Allende, Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, and others. It remains one of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks and a powerful symbol of Mexican national identity.
The Old Peso Era (1972 Context): The 1972 series 50 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 50 Pesos denomination represented meaningful purchasing power for everyday 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 1972 50 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.
The American Bank Note Company: Founded in 1858 through the merger of seven major bank note engraving firms, the American Bank Note Company (ABNCo) became one of the most prestigious security printing firms in world history. ABNCo produced banknotes for over 100 countries — including significant portions of Mexico's currency throughout the 19th and 20th centuries — as well as stocks, bonds, postage stamps, and other security documents. The ABNCo imprint on this note signifies the highest standard of steel-engraved currency production, with intricate guilloché patterns and fine portrait engraving that distinguished the company's work worldwide.
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.
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, vibrant red-and-blue color scheme, Allende portrait, Angel of Independence 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.