AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a historical 1 Peso banknote issued by the Banco de Mexico, specifically identification series AA, featuring a prominent date of 22-XII-45. The note is characterized by its vertical orientation and intricate green, tan, and red ink engravings. The central design element is the highly detailed Aztec Sun Stone (Calendar Stone), flanked by two decorative vignettes containing the denomination '1'. The text 'BANCO DE MEXICO' is printed along the right margin. This example bears the red serial number E211591. In terms of condition, the note is in heavily circulated, 'Fair' to 'About Good' grade. There is significant structural wear, including multiple deep vertical and horizontal folds, several small tears along the margins (most notably on the right edge), and rounded, fraying corners. The paper shows heavy overall foxing, staining, and surface soiling leading to a darkened patina. The signatures of the bank officials are visible but slightly faded. This type of note was manufactured by the American Bank Note Company (ABNC) for Mexico, a hallmarks of which is the high-quality fine-line intaglio printing that remains partially crisp despite the heavy wear. It represents a significant era of mid-20th-century Mexican currency design before the bank transitioned to domestic production.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 1945 Mexico 1 Peso banknote, Series AA (Serial E211591). This 'calendario' note, printed by the American Bank Note Company, is a classic example of 20th-century Mexican numismatics. The central Aztec Sun Stone remains the primary aesthetic draw. My assessment confirms the note is in 'Fair' to 'About Good' (FR-AG) condition. I observe significant circulation damage including heavy creasing, margin tears, and extensive environmental staining/foxing that has compromised the paper's original crispness and color. While these notes were produced in large quantities and are common in the marketplace, Series AA remains slightly more desirable to entry-level collectors than later series. Current market demand for this specific note is low due to its poor state of preservation; high-grade equivalents (Choice Uncirculated) command significantly higher premiums, whereas circulated examples like this are typically sold as curiosity pieces or 'filler' notes. Authenticity appears consistent with ABNC production standards based on the micro-printing and ink saturation visible; however, a definitive authentication would require physical inspection to verify the intaglio feel (raised ink), paper fiber composition, and UV fluorescence. Note that without physical handling, I cannot assess the structural integrity of the folds or detect chemical cleaning. Provenance research regarding its storage history could clarify the source of the heavy foxing.