The Philippine New Generation Currency Coin Series (Video)

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas released a video showing the full set of the New Generation Currency Coin Series with the 10-, 5-, and 1-Piso coins along with the 25-, 5-, and 1-sentimo coins.


The 10-Piso coin features Apolinario Mabini on the obverse and the kapa-kapa (Medinilla magnifica) plant on the reverse. It is also the first Philippine coin with a milled-edge lettering spelling out "Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas."


The 5-Piso coin, previously released in November 2017, features Andres Bonifacio on the obverse and the tayabak (Strongylodon macrobotrys) plant.

The 1-piso coin, features Jose Rizal and the waling-waling (Vanda sanderiana) plant.


The sentimo coins all feature a stylized Philippine flag with 3 stars and a sun. Their design only differs in the reverse. The 25-sentimo coin displays the katmon (Dillena philippinensis) flower, the 5-sentimo coin the kapal-kapal baging (Hoya pubicalyx), and the 1-sentimo coin the mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus).


Notably, the 10-sentimo coin seems to have been phased out. Also, all coins are now silver in appearance which is sure to spell some trouble in differentiating similarly-sized coins.

5 Peso Coin - New Generation Currency

Five Piso Coin
New Generation Currency 

Obverse: Gat. Andres Bonifacio, "Republika ng Pilipinas", 5 Piso, year mark
Reverse: Tayabak (a Philippine endemic plant that climbs tall forest trees), logo of the Bankgo Sentral ng Pilipinas

Shape: round
Edge: plain (design bordered by 12-scallop)
Material: nickel, brass
Composition: 70% copper, 5.5% nickel, 24.5% zinc

Weight: 7.4 grams
Diameter: 25 mm

Release date: November 30, 2017 (Bonifacio's 120th death anniversary and his 154th birthday)

1 Peso Commemorative Coin - 150 years Jose Rizal

One Piso Commemorative Coin

150 years Jose Rizal Birth Anniversary

Obverse: Jose Rizal, "150 years," "Republika ng Pilipinas," "1861-2011"
Reverse: logo of the Bankgo Sentral ng Pilipinas, "1 Piso," "2011"

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Material: nickel-plated steel

Weight: 5.35 grams
Diameter: 24 mm

Mintage: 10 million
Designer: Emerson Rg Abraham.

This is the first legal tender coin to bear the new logo of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

5 Centavo Error Coin - Ang Bagong Lipunan

Five Centavo Error Coin (Off-center)
Bagong Lipunan Series (1976)

photo courtesy from laneb1961 of ebay

This is what happens when the coin planchet is not properly aligned when struck with the die. Off-centers are relatively common errors. See the correctly minted 5 centavo coin.

Half-Centavo Coin - Culion Leper Colony

1/2 Centavo Coin (1913)
Culion Leper Colony
photo from coinden of eBay

Obverse: Caduceus, Bureau of Health, year mark (1913) flanked by two stars
Reverse: "1/2 Centavo", "Culion Leper Colony", "Philippine Islands"

Shape: round
Diameter: 19mm
Composition: aluminum

Note on metal composition: This coin belongs to the first batch issued by the American Period in 1913. This batch and another in 1920 were made of aluminum which was later found to be corrosive to antisepctics used in the sanitarium. Later issues in 1922, 1925, 1927, and 1930 were made of nickel.

Note on Caduceus: The caduceus is typically depicted as a short herald's staff entwined by two serpents in the form of a double helix, and sometimes is surmounted by wings. The caduceus is sometimes used as a symbol for medicine, especially in North America.

10000 Peso Commemorative Gold Coin

Ten Thousand Peso Commemorative Gold Coin (1992)

6th Anniversary - Restoration of Democracy

Obverse: President Corazon C. Aquino; Republic of the Philippines, 10000 Pesos
Reverse: Philippine map superimposed on Constitution and dove of peace flying towards the light; Democracy Restored; VI Anniversary; 1986, 1992

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Material: gold

This is the largest coin denomination ever issued in the Philippines. I am still looking for more information on this very rare coin.

1000 Peso Gold Coin - Ang Bagong Lipunan Commemorative

One Thousand Piso Commemorative Gold Coin (1975)
Ang Bagong Lipunan 3rd Anniversary
image courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries

Obverse: Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos; Ang Bagong Lipunan; Setyembere 21, 1972; year mark (1975)
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines;1000 Piso; Republika ng Pilipinas

Shape: round
Edge: milled

Diameter: 27 mm
Weight: 9.95 grams
Material: .900 fine gold

Mintage: 13,000

This gold coin was minted to commemorate the 3rd anniversary of the Bagong Lipunan (New Society) which was established September 21, 1972.

The BSP does not buy coins higher than face value

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) formally announced that it does not buy coins at prices higher than their face value.

The BSP is most likely referring to the hearsay that it is buying back 10 peso coins allegedly containing gold. One of our anonymous readers claimed that someone even bought his his or her 10 peso coin for 1000 pesos. In sulit.com.ph, the 10 peso coin is also being sold for 1000 pesos.

“The BSP is the sole issuer of currency in the Philippines. It mints and circulates coins in accordance with its mandate to supply the currency requirements of the banking system and sustain economic growth. It determines the different denominations of our money, both banknotes and coins, and the public should accept them at face value, no more, no less,” says the Bangko Sentral media release.

In the same announcement, the BSP also reiterated that defacing/mutilating and the smuggling of Philippine coins “are criminal acts punishable by law under Presidential Decree 247 and BSP Circular 98, Series of 1995 in relation to Section 2530 (f) of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended.”

Please report any information against these criminal acts to the BSP.

50 Peso Coin - Pope John Paul II visit (1981)

50 Peso Commemorative Coin (1981)
Pope John Paul II visit to the Philippines

Obverse: Bust of Pope John Paul II, "Papa Juan Pablo II", "Pagdalaw ng Papa sa Pilipinas", 1981
Reverse: , "Lorenzo Ruiz Martir na Pilipino", "50 Piso", "Republika ng Pilipinas"

Material: Silver
Weight: 27.5 grams
Diameter: 39.0 mm
Mintage: 10,000 pcs

*This post is sponsored by Frito Frio Fried Ice Cream

Gold in the 10 peso coin?

Word has been spreading that the current 10 peso coin bearing the 2000 and 2001 year mark contains gold. Specifically the inner disc of the coin is said to be worth between 10 to 14 karats, the reason why some people are hammering them out and casting them into "gold" rings.

I chanced upon a man selling some of these "gold" rings. He also presented the remains of a ten piso coin and claimed two coins are melted to create one ring. He was selling the ring for 100 pesos.

So is there gold in the current 10 peso coin?
I don't think so. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the inner disc of the coin is made of an aluminum-bronze alloy (92% copper, 6% aluminum, 2% nickel).


The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could not be senseless to put gold into millions of coins with a face value of only 10 pesos. It might look like gold, but it isn't necessarily gold.

Illegal
Hammering out the core of the 10 peso coins is a violation of Article 164 of the Revised Penal Code (An Act Prohibiting and Penalizing Defacement, Mutilation, Tearing, Burning or Destruction of Central Bank Notes and Coins). Selling of these mutilated coins is a violation of Article 165.

Art. 164. Mutilation of coins; Importation and utterance of mutilated coins. — The penalty of prision correccional in its minimum period and a fine not to exceed P2,000 pesos shall be imposed upon any person who shall mutilate coins of the legal currency of the United States or of the Philippine Islands or import or utter mutilated current coins, or in connivance with mutilators or importers.

Art. 165. Selling of false or mutilated coin, without connivance. — The person who knowingly, although without the connivance mentioned in the preceding articles, shall possess false or mutilated coin with intent to utter the same, or shall actually utter such coin, shall suffer a penalty lower by one degree than that prescribed in said articles.

50 Centavos Establishment of the Commonwealth Commemorative Coin

photos courtesy of dekada_collectibles of ebay.com

Fifty Centavos Commemorative Coin, 1936-M
Establishment of the Commonwealth

Obverse: Facing busts of incoming Philippine President Manuel Quezon and outgoing Governor-General Frank Murphy, "Commonwealth of the Philippines", "Fifty Centavos"
Reverse: arms of the Philippine-American Commonwealth, "United States of America", year mark (1936)

Material: silver
Shape: round
Mintage: 20,000

This coin is one of three that commemorate the transition from protectorate to commonwealth which occured on November 15, 1935.

100 Peso University of the Philippines Silver Proof

image courtesy of dekada_collectibles and jt40tmh of ebay

100 Piso Silver Proof Coin (1983)
University of the Philippines Diamond Jubilee

Obverse: UP Oblation, "Pamantasan ng Pilipinas", "1908-1983", Quezon Hall (UP Diliman Administration Building), Gonzalez Hall (UP Diliman Main Library)
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "100 Piso", "Republika ng Pilipinas"

Composition: 50% silver, 50% copper
Diameter: 38.00mm
Weight: 25grams
Mintage: 2000 pieces

Full text:

The Central Bank of the Philippines has commissioned the Royal Mint to strike a limited number of silver 100 piso proof coins, in commemoration of the diamond jubilee of the University of the Philippines.

The reverse depicts the seal of the Republic of the Philippines, adopted in 1946. Contained within the seal are elements from former Coats of Arms; the Lion from the Spanish period and the Eagle form the American era. The centre cartouche reflecting the sun with 8 rays, symbolizes independence and the 8 provinces which rose in revolt against Spain in 1896.


The obverse reflects the Oblation, a statue of a young man in a symbolic gesture of sacrificial offering for country and humanity. Created in 1934 by the famous Filipino sculptor, Guillermo E. Tolentino, it now stands in front of the Administration building of the University of the Philippines.

Each coin contains 50% silver and 50% copper, weighs 25 grams and measures 38.00mm in diameter. A maximum of only 2000 will be issued for worldwide distribution, of which 750 are included in the 1983 Philippines proof coin collection.

It is advisable to avoid handling proof coins as fingerprints or marks will spoil them.

One Peso Coin - Culion Leper Colony

One Peso Coin (1925)
Culion Leper Colony

Coin image courtesy of blackmountaincoins.com

Obverse: Dr. Jose P. Rizal, "Culion Leper Colony", Philippine Islands
Reverse: Seal of the Philippine Health Service, "Philippine Health Service", "One Peso", year mark

Diameter: 35mm
Composition: copper-nickel

Mintage: 20,000

5000 Peso Gold Coin - The New Society Commemorative

Five Thousand Peso Commemorative Gold Coin
Bagong Lipunan's 5th Anniversary

image courtesy of gr8ingr

Obverse: President Ferdianand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, The New Society, "V Anniversary", 1972-1977
Reverse: Seal of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Republika ng Pilipinas, 5000 Piso

Quality: Frosted proof
Material: 2.21 troy ounces 900/1000 fine gold

Shape: Round
Edge: Milled

Text on sealed cachet:
The 1977 Five Thousand Piso Gold Coin of the Philippines.

The proof coin contained within this sealed cachet was struck by The Franklin Mint on March 24, 1977 the first day of minting of this Proof coin.

Minted under the authorization of the Central Bank of the Philippines by the Franklin Mint, Franklin Center, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Signed G.S. Licaros (Governor, Central Bank of the Philippines) and Charles L. Andes (Chairman of the Board, The Franklin Mint)

Coin Grading by PCGS

Coin grading is a very important process for serious coin collectors. If you are serious about making money out of your coins, coin grading is an indispensable process that tries to objectively describe the quality of the coin. The higher the grade of the coin, the higher the value.

Here is a video demonstrating the meticulous coin grading procedure of the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).

How do they make coins?

Ever wondered how they mint coins? Here is a video showing the process of creating silver proof coins in the Royal Canadian Mint.



Proof coins are special because they are double-struck on polished dies made of precious metals. Ordinary coins for circulation are struck only once on cheaper metal alloys.

50 Peso Commemorative Coin (International Year of the Child)

Fifty Peso Silver Proof Coin Commemorating the International Year of The Child (1979)

Obverse: Portrait of a Child, International Year of the Child emblem, "Pandaigdig na Taon ng mga Bata", year mark
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "50 Piso", "Republika ng Pilipinas"

Quality: Proof
Material: Silver

Shape: Round
Edge: Milled

This coin was minted at the Franklin Mint of the United States of America.

The year 1979 was proclaimed the International Year of the Child by the United Nations. The proclamation was signed on January 1, 1979 by United Nations Secretary General Kurt Waldheim. The proclamation was meant to draw attention to problems that affected children throughout the world, including malnutrition and lack of access to education.

25 Peso Commemorative Coin (UN Conference on Trade and Industry)

Twenty-five Peso Silver Proof Coin Commemorating the UN Conference on Trade and Development

Obverse: United Nations Logo, "United Nations Conference on Trade and Development", year mark (1979)
Reverse: "Philippine International Convention Center Manila", "Republika ng Pilipinas", "25 Piso"

Material: Silver
Quality: Proof

Shape: Round
Edge: Milled

When the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development was held in Manila, the Central Bank issued this 25 peso silver coin to commemorate the event. The conference was held in the Philippines International Convention Center (PICC). This coin was minted at the Franklin Mint of the United States of America.

50 Centavo Coin Error (1983 )

Photo courtesy of Maiylah (pictureclusters.blogspot.com)

Long before there was the "Arrovo" error on the 100 peso bill, there was the "Pithecobhaga" error on the 1983 fifty centavo coin. The coin which comes from the flora and fauna series depicts the monkey-eating eagle, more popularly known as the Philippine eagle on its reverse side. The scientific name of this eagle, which happens to be the country's national bird, is Pithecophaga jefferyi but the Central Bank wrongly minted it as "Pithecobhaga jefferyi". A biologist reported the error to the Central Bank who immediately corrected the coins.

See the blog entry for the correct coin.

10 Peso People Power Commemorative Revolution Commemorative Coin

Ten Peso Commemorative Coin
People Power Revolution

Obverse: symbolisms of prayer, courage, and love, "People Power Revolution", "Philippines February 22-25, 1986"
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", denomination (10 Piso), year mark (1988)

Shape: round
Edge: milled

Diameter: 36 mm
Weight: 22 grams
Composition: 100% (pure) nickel

Quality: circulation

This coin is issued to commemorate an event of historic significance in the Philippines, the People Power Revolution of February 22-25, 1986. It depicts trhe protest of the Filipinos against an unpopular regime. By prayer, courage and love, this manifestation became the rallying point for the restoration of democracy in the country. It also features the seal of the Republic of the Philippines.