The study of regional Mexican currency during the decade-long civil conflict of 1910 to 1920 provides an unparalleled lens through which to view the macroeconomic collapse and political fragmentation of a modernizing nation. Among the most historically significant numismatic issues of this era are those originating from the State of Oaxaca. In 1915, to insulate itself from the factional violence tearing through the republic, the Oaxacan government declared state sovereignty.1 This political maneuver necessitated immediate financial independence. The 5 Pesos banknote issued by the Tesorería General del Estado de Oaxaca serves as a prime example of emergency fiat currency. This monetary instrument functioned simultaneously as a medium of daily exchange, a mechanism for state-building, a tool for military funding, and a physical declaration of regio ...