Mexico issues revised 50 peso note

The Banco de Mexico has introduced a revised banknote of 50 peso on 6 May 2013, which includes new security measures and some new design elements.

The image of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon is the key motif on the front of the new 50-peso banknote and is printed similarly as in the previously-issued note. To the left of the image appears a frame made up of Morelos’ battle flag, two intertwined cannons, a bow, an arrow, and the word “SUD”. The latter two elements were used as motifs in the coins minted by the insurgent leader. The cannons are in blue. On top of the frame appears, in diminishing microprinting, the following texts included in the Sentiments of the Nation:

QUE LA ESCLAVITUD SE PROSCRIBA PARA SIEMPRE Y LO MISMO LA DISTINCIÓN DE CASTAS, QUEDANDO TODOS IGUALES, Y SÓLO DISTINGUIRÁ A UN AMERICANO DE OTRO EL VICIO Y LA VIRTUD (“LET SLAVERY PROSCRIBE NOW AND FOREVER AS WELL AS SOCIAL CLASS DISTINCTION, REMAINING ALL EQUAL, AND BEING VICE AND VIRTUE THE ONLY MATTER DISTINGUISHING ONE AMERICAN CITIZEN FROM ANOTHER”).

Morelos image, all texts, the denomination numerals, and the frame are printed in raised ink (intaglio), except for the denomination numeral and the rippled lines in the right lower clear window, which are embossed.

The monarch butterflies, which are the distinctive feature of the state of Michoacán, also appear, printed in a color-changing ink that has a rolling-bar effect (Spark technique), only in the small clear window in the upper left side, and in the clear window, in the right side. Another feature of this banknote is the increasing folio numerals.

The key visual feature on the back of the banknote is the aqueduct of the city of Morelia, Michoacán, constructed by Bishop Manuel Escalante Columbres in the eighteenth century. Three monarch butterflies appear in front of it. To the left side of the aqueduct is a representation of the pre-Hispanic symbol of the state of Michoacán (Mechuaca, which means “land of fish,” taken from the codex telleriano remensis). Monarch butterflies can also be observed, some printed in the main body of the polymer and others in the clear window.

You can find more information on the note in this poster (PDF) from the Banco de Mexico, on this website and in this video.