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(This section, and the following sections on the counterfeits of the different denominations (including most of the illustrations), are the result of research by Robert Perigoe. This information originally appeared in the September 2012, December 2012 and March 2013 issues of the Journal of the U. S. Mexican Numismatic Association.)

All the counterfeit $1 notes that Perigoe has identified are in Series 3. Only 20,000 genuine bills were produced, so one dead give-away is a serial number exceeding 20,000. It happens often enough that it is a good first step, but usually further inspection is necessary.

Counterfeit $1 Estado de Sonora note Type 1

Est Sonora 1 3 2520

Est Sonora 1 3 2520 reverse

This type is clearly modeled on printing position 3, and is often found in pristine condition. A byproduct is that its picture has adorned a number of catalogues because it is so photogenic, unwittingly authenticating its inclusion in an even larger number of collections.

GENUINECOUNTERFEIT

1count1a 

The sweep of the printed Randall signature extends beyond the outer frame-line

1count1b 

The sweep does not extend beyond frame

 1count1c

1count1d 

The numbering device used on the counterfeits is easily distinguished from any of those used on genuine notes because the dot below the ‘o’ in ‘No’ is circular rather than rectangular, and the serif on the top of the ‘N’ in ‘No’ is wider on the counterfeit.

1count1e 

1count1f 

The shading under the lettering at the top of the note is fine on the genuine notes but coarse on the counterfeit notes.

 1count1g

Regular “P” in left “PROVISIONAL”

1count1h 

The ‘P’ in the left ‘PROVISIONAL’ is broken at its base

1count1i 

Mountain Seal has 18 major rays and diagonal shading in sky and water

 

Shore line slopes up to right

1count1j 

The simulated Mountain Seal is quite crude. There is a total absence of diagonal shading in the sky and water. Worse yet, three major rays emanating from the liberty cap at approximately 10, 11, and 12 o’clock are missing.

Shore line slopes slightly down to right

 1count1k

 1count1l

The small Eagle Seal is quite passable and almost the same type as on the genuine note. It does have the spot between ‘LIBRE’ and ‘Y’, but does not have the broken ‘C’ in ‘MEXICANA’.

Watermarked
A.S. & S.
LINEN LEDGER
The counterfeit may show the watermark, LINCOLN BOND.

 

There are varieties with at least three different shapes of colourless area on the breast of the eagle to the left of the snake.