Maximilian Empire was founded by Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Josef von Habsburg, the younger brother of Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary. He was selected by Napoleon III to be the puppet Emperor of Mexico in 1862.
This venture failed in 1867 and Maximilian was captured and executed by a Mexican firing squad.
The above series of banknotes were prepared with French Imperial designs for Maximilian to be issued under the authority of the "Banco de México," not related to the current central bank. These notes are considered rare as most apparently did not circulate and are rarely seen on the market.
During the period of 1867 - 81, el Banco de Londres Mexico y Sud America operated successfully as a Commercial Bank, helping to restore confidence in paper money use in México. |
