Today’s note is a 1963 issue 5 Peso note from Mexico. It is a note that has a portrait that long been debated on it origin.

The portrait of (la gitana) ‘The Gypsy’ first appeared on the Mexican currency in 1925 and continued until 1970. The identity of the gypsy was never officially disclosed but was presumed to be Gloria Faure (a Catalonian ‘artiste’) performing with her sister Laura. The women were purported to have shared their ‘favors’ with a number of influential Mexican men, namely Alberto J. Pani then Minister of finance and she followed him to New York City where he negotiated with the American Banknote Company for the production of these then new notes. A scandal broke out from Mexican residents in New York that Pani was guilty of the ‘Mann Act’ for transporting her across state lines but no charges were ever filed. Mexican President Callas had come in and supported Pani and it was known he too had bee the recipient of some of her ‘favors’.

Many years later Robert Savage (the actual engraver of the note) was contacted at the American Banknote company to clarify exactly who the ‘gypsy’ was. He confessed that is was a stock image of “The Ideal Head of an Algerian Girl” that he had made some 15 years prior to the note being designed for Mexico, and she was not even Mexican.

Many catalogues and references still incorrectly identify the portrait as Catalonian artiste, Gloria Faure. The rumors are much more appealing than the truth!

The back of the note has the statue of Victory located in Mexico City. The note printed by the American Banknote Company (ABNC) with no watermark, UV codes, or security threads. This note in UNCirculated condition has a $2.50 book value. Sorry for getting long, but I hope you enjoyed the story. ENJOY!!