Mexico North, Central America Paper Money: World Coins & Paper Money

Before its independence, Mexico’s incredible mining wealth led this Spanish Viceroyalty to use only gold, silver and copper coins as currency. Paper money did not appear until after Mexico gained its independence. The Viceroyalty began to crumble with the Independence Revolt starting in 1810, leading to the abandonment of the mines the economy relied on. The first paper money was a byproduct of this. Orange cardboard money of unknown origin dating to 1813 still exist. When Mexico gained its independence in 1821, it adopted a monarchic government and plunged immediately into economic crisis. Paper money was issued on December 20, 1822. They are the first official currency issue in Mexico. They failed miserably. Since then, paper money appeared in various forms at various times in Mexico, and by the time of the issue of the Banco de Mexico note, paper money was fully accepted.

 

Many variables can alter the resale value on the collectors’ market of paper money from Mexico, such as its rarity and its historical context. There are quite a few references sources to help you evaluate the prices and value of world paper money, such as The Standard Catalog of World Paper Money published by Krause.