José María Morelos, a prominent figure in Mexico’s fight for independence, left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. As a key figure of the Mexican War of Independence, Morelos played a significant role in shaping the country’s destiny. Born in 1765, in the state of Michoacan. In his early years he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest but, after hearing about the Cry of Dolores he quickly emerged as a visionary and eloquent leader who galvanized support for the independence movement. Morelos organized an effective guerrilla warfare strategy and led successful military campaigns against Spanish forces in various regions of Mexico.
Morelos’ leadership and military prowess helped to unite disparate factions and bring a renewed sense of purpose to the independence movement. He was instrumental in drafting the Sentiments of the Nation, a document that outlined a vision for an independent Mexico. Morelos’ influence extended beyond military strategy. He was also a fervent advocate for social and political reforms within Mexico. Morelos championed the rights of marginalized groups. He advocated for the abolition of slavery and called for educational and economic opportunities for all Mexicans, regardless of social status or background.
Morelos’ legacy lives on in the minds and hearts of Mexicans. He serves as a reminder of the transformative power of determined individuals who refuse to accept oppression and instead fight for a better future. Mexico has honored Morelos through paintings, monuments, plaques and by placing his portrait on various Mexican banknotes. Let’s look at a few these numismatics to honor José María Morelos. One early example is the Mexico 20 Pesos, 1977. On its obverse side is a stylized bow and arrow as a registration device, a sword and a scabbard, Colegio de San Nicolas de Valladolid, and Jose Maria Morelos. Meanwhile, the reverse side features a bank guilloche, the PIRAMIDE DE QUETZALCOATL (Quetzalcoatl pyramid) in Teotihuacan, a snake, a stylized bow and arrow, and a bank seal.
Another more widely recognizable banknote is the Mexico 50 Pesos, 2019 from the previous generation of the Mexican Peso. Its obverse side features Jose Maria Morelos, a Catholic priest and revolutionary leader of the Mexican War of Independence. Its reverse side portrays the Morelia aqueduct and viceroy butterflies (Limenitis archippus).
Finally, the most recent version of the Mexican Peso featuring Morelos is the Mexico 200 Pesos Banknote, 2023. This is a commemorative banknote issued by the Bank of Mexico to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Autonomy of Bank of Mexico. Its obverse side features a bank monogram, Miguel Hidalgo and Jose Maria Morelos. Its reverse side shows an eagle, an ecosystem of bushes and deserts in the Biosphere Reservation of El Pinacate and the Gran Desierto de Altar. Security features include a windowed security thread and solid security thread with demetalized 200 and a watermark of bell and electrotype 200.
