Bank Note: Mexico, 10 Pesos

1992.23.1149

Thumbnail of Bank Note: Mexico, 10 Pesos (1992.23.1149)

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Basic Information

Artifact Identification Bank Note: Mexico, 10 Pesos   (1992.23.1149)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Exchange Media
  4. :
  5. N/A
Artist/Maker Printer: American Bank Note Company, New York.
Geographic Location
Period Mexican Revolution
Date July 23, 1914 CE
Culture Mexican
Location Not on Exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Length) 18.0 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 8.0 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) <0.1 cm
Weight 1 g
Measuring Remarks N/A
Materials Paper, Pigment--Ink
Manufacturing Processes Printed

Research Remarks

Description

On the lower left of the banknote is an allegory of Justice. However, the woman’s armor and helmet are reason enough to point to the rendering being that of the goddess, Athena. In Greek mythology, she is referred to as the goddess of knowledge, skill, war, and, coincidentally, justice. Her equivalent in Roman mythology is Minerva, who presides over similar if not identical domains as those of her Greek counterpart. Typically, both goddesses are depicted with helmets and body armor. Perhaps the figure’s appearance on the banknote, paired with that of the bank’s, is to convey justice’s presence in the country’s banking system.

Published Description N/A
Bibliography

“10 Pesos, Chihuahua.” Numista. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note348121.html.

“Athena.” Encyclopædia Britannica, July 3, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Athena-Greek-mythology.

Madeleine. “Interesting Facts about Athena: Greek Goddess of Knowledge.” THEOI GREEK MYTHOLOGY - Exploring Mythology in Classical Literature & Art, December 2, 2019. https://www.theoi.com/articles/interesting-facts-about-athena-greek-goddess-of-knowledge/#:~:text=Athena%20is%20often%20considered%20to,crafts%2C%20civilization%2C%20and%20justice.

“Minerva.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed August 25, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Minerva-Roman-goddess.

Prendergast, Simon. “$10 Banco Minero Note (1888-1912).” Paper Money of Mexico. Accessed August 29, 2023. https://papermoneyofmexico.com/history/chihuahua/banco-minero/10-banco-minero-1.

“PS164A.” Bank Note Museum. Accessed August 29, 2023. http://www.banknote.ws/COLLECTION/countries/AME/MEX/MEX-SPEC/MEXS0164A2.htm.

Warner, Marina. Monuments & maidens. London: Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1985.

Rhys, Dani. “Minerva – Roman Goddess of Wisdom.” Symbol Sage, January 22, 2021. https://symbolsage.com/minerva-roman-goddess/.

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication Gift of Harlan J. and Pamela Berk
Reproduction no

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