Mexican banknotes... a never ending story... 02 a

In the same series as the 1-peso note depicting the Aztec Solar stone, a 5-peso note was issued. 

This series however started earlier, already in 1925 (1st emission) and 1936 (2nd emission). The 1-peso note was introduced in the 3rd emission of notes (1937-1970).
This style of 5-peso note, was used till 1970, when all notes were renewed in the 4th emission.

The 5-peso note is commonly known as 'la Gitana' (the Gypsy). 

'la Gitana' on 5-peso notes

With the founding of the Bank of Mexico, in 1924, Finance Minister Alberto J. Pani was involved in the creation of the bank, as well as the development of the Mexican financial system. Remember that we still speak of the 'United States of Mexico', and before the creation of a "central bank of Mexico", noumerous notes from different states (Chihuahua, Sonora, Tabasco, ....) were in circulation.

Alberto J. Pani in 1922

It is said, that Pani not only showed interest in finances but also in the famous Catalan-Spanish artist Gloria Fauré who was 'performing' in Mexico in the mid 20's of the previous century.
Fauré, who is said to be Pani's mistress, was not unspoken when the 5-peso note was introduced, and soon the rumour spread, that Pani picked her as a model for the newly emitted banknote.

picture of Gloria Fauré

The image chosen for the banknote however, was created in 1910, by Mr. Robert Savage as a stock vignette and was titled ‘The Ideal Head of an Algerian Girl’. The 5-peso banknotes were issued from 1925, so 15 years later.
Since Gloria had a younger sister, and 'accidentaly' the third note in this series also depicted a young girl, people linked the two ladies, to the two new notes. And it is here that two stories got mixed up. 

On the back side of the banknote, similar to the 1-peso note, is the Angel of Independence depicted.

5 peso detail

to be continued...