On May 8, Mexicans celebrate Miguel Hidalgo's birthday. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a leader of the Mexican War of Independence.

He was born on May 8, 1753. At age 25, he was ordained as a Catholic priest. Despite receiving a traditional education, Hidalgo challenged many ideas presented by the Church and found the absolute authority of the Spanish king questionable.

This “cry of independence” marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Hidalgo was actively supported by liberal priests, intellectuals, and many poor people. He became the leader of the insurgent movement.

Sadly, Hidalgo did not live to see Mexico as a sovereign state. In 1811, he was captured by royalists. He was found guilty of treason and executed on July 30, 1811. After his death, Jose Maria Morelos became the next leader of the insurgents.

The Banco de México issued Mexican Peso banknotes in 7 different denominations, including this 1000 Mexican Pesos banknote. The highest value banknote of Mexico is the 1000 Pesos bill. The violet and pink colored banknote features Miguel Hidalgo on the obverse and the building of the University of Guanajuato on the reverse.

Image Courtesy: leftovercurrency.com