The Mexican 10 peso bill
The Mexican 10 peso bill is a common denomination of currency in Mexico. It is found in most wallets and is used frequently in daily transactions throughout the country. Like all currency, the 10 peso bill has a unique history, design, and meaning to the people who use it and the nation that issues it.
The history of Mexico’s currency
Mexico’s currency has a long and complex history. Before the arrival of Europeans, indigenous people used various forms of currency, including cocoa beans and copper axes. Spanish colonization introduced silver coins and paper money, which became the standard currency in Mexico until the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. Since then, the Mexican government has issued various forms of currency, including bills and coins, with different designs, denominations, and values.
The design of the 10 peso bill
The Mexican 10 peso bill is rectangular in shape and measures 65 mm x 131 mm. It is made of polymer, a durable and secure material that makes counterfeiting more difficult. The bill’s design incorporates various elements that represent Mexico’s culture, history, and nature, such as pre-Columbian art, flora and fauna, and iconic landmarks.
The front of the 10 peso bill
The front (obverse) of the 10 peso bill features a portrait of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, a Mexican heroine of the independence movement. The portrait is based on a painting by Miguel Noreña, a renowned Mexican artist. The bill also displays the denomination, the words "Estados Unidos Mexicanos" (United Mexican States), and the Mexican coat of arms, which includes an eagle, a serpent, and a cactus.
The back of the 10 peso bill
The back (reverse) of the 10 peso bill shows a representation of the biosphere reserve Ría Celestún, located in the Yucatan Peninsula. The image depicts a flock of flamingos, a mangrove swamp, and the Celestún lighthouse. The bill also includes the words "Diez Pesos" (Ten Pesos) and the date of issuance.
Who is featured on the 10 peso bill?
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez is the person featured on the Mexican 10 peso bill. She was born in Querétaro in 1768 and became a prominent figure in the independence movement against Spanish rule. Ortiz de Domínguez was known for her political activism, her support for insurgent leaders such as Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende, and her role in the conspiracy of 1810, which aimed to overthrow the colonial government. She is celebrated in Mexico as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and feminism.
The significance of the person on the bill
The choice of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez as the face of the Mexican 10 peso bill reflects her place in Mexican history and culture. Ortiz de Domínguez represents the struggle for independence, the fight against oppression, and the empowerment of women. By featuring her portrait, the Mexican government pays tribute to her legacy and promotes national identity.
How long has this person been on the 10 peso bill?
Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez has been on the Mexican 10 peso bill since 2006. Before that, the bill featured a portrait of Francisco I. Madero, a leader of the Mexican Revolution. The change of design reflected the government’s desire to honor different historical figures and to promote diversity.
Are there any controversies surrounding the bill’s design?
There have been some criticisms of the 10 peso bill’s design, mainly related to the choice of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez as the person featured on it. Some people argue that other historical figures, such as Benito Juárez or Emiliano Zapata, deserve more recognition and visibility. Others question whether Ortiz de Domínguez’s image accurately represents her appearance or personality. However, these controversies are minor and do not affect the legitimacy or value of the bill.
Other Mexican bills featuring notable figures
The Mexican currency includes several bills that feature notable figures from Mexican history and culture. For example, the 20 peso bill displays a portrait of Diego Rivera, the famous muralist and painter. The 50 peso bill features a portrait of José María Morelos, a leader of the independence movement. The 1000 peso bill has a picture of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a renowned poet and intellectual.
Conclusion: The cultural importance of Mexico’s currency
Mexico’s currency reflects the nation’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Each bill and coin tells a story of a person, a tradition, or a landscape that contributes to Mexico’s identity and pride. The 10 peso bill, with its image of Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, celebrates the courage and determination of Mexican women and their role in history. By using and valuing Mexican currency, people acknowledge and preserve this cultural heritage for future generations.
References and further reading
- "Mexican Peso." Banknote World, www.banknoteworld.com/mexico-peso.
- "10 pesos." Banco de México, www.banxico.org.mx/billetes-y-monedas/billetes-en-circulacion/10-pesos.html.
- "Joséfa Ortiz de Domínguez." Encyclopædia Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Josefa-Ortiz-de-Dominguez.
- "Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz." National Autonomous University of Mexico, www.revistadelauniversidad.unam.mx/en/articulo/sor-juana-ines-de-la-cruz.
