50 Centavo Coin - English Series

Fifty Centavo Coin
English Series (1964)

Obverse: Lady Liberty striking an anvil with a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background,"Fifty Centavos", year mark
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Central Bank of the Philippines"

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 30mm
Designer: Melecio Figueroa

The obverse design is adpoted from the earlier coins issued during the American Occupation. The figure of Lady Liberty striking the anvil with a hammer is supposed to depict the work done by the Americans in creating a progressive Philippines. Many suspect that the lady in the figure is actually Blanca, the daughter of the designer.

25 Centavo Coin - English Series

Twenty Five Centavo Coin
English Series (1956)

Obverse: Lady Liberty striking an anvil with a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background, "Twenty Five Centavos", year mark
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Central Bank of the Philippines"

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 23.5mm
Designer: Melecio Figueroa

The obverse design is adpoted from the earlier coins issued during the American Occupation. The figure of Lady Liberty striking the anvil with a hammer is supposed to depict the work done by the Americans in creating a progressive Philippines. Many suspect that the lady in the figure is actually Blanca, the daughter of the designer.

10 Centavo Coin - English Series

Ten Centavo Coin
English Series (1963)

Obverse: Lady Liberty striking an anvil with a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background, "Ten Centavos", year mark
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines,. "Central Bank of the Philippines"

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 17.5mm
Designer: Melecio Figueroa

The obverse design is adpoted from the earlier coins issued during the American Occupation. The figure of Lady Liberty striking the anvil with a hammer is supposed to depict the work done by the Americans in creating a progressive Philippines. Many suspect that the lady in the figure is actually Blanca, the daughter of the designer.

My grandfather used to give me all these little coins which he gathered from his winnings in Mah Jong games. I soon filled a large piggybank with these ten centavo pieces. When the Central Bank moved to demonetize these coins to give way for the New BSP Series, we opened up the piggybank and counted about 2,100 pieces of this coin! I got a measly P210 when we exchanged the heavy bag of coins at the bank. Now I wish I had just kept them.

5 Centavo Coin - English Series

Five Centavo Coin
English Series (1962)

Obverse: figure of a man seated beside an anvil and holding a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background, "Five Centavos", year mark
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Central Bank of the Philippines"

Shape: round
Edge: plain
Diameter: 20mm
Material: nickel
Designer: Melecio Figueroa

The figure of the man in the obverse is an allegory for the hard work being done by the Filipinos in building their own future.

1 Centavo Coin - English Series

One Centavo Coin
English Series (1962)

Obverse: figure of a man seated beside an anvil and holding a hammer with a volcano (Mt. Mayon) erupting in the background, "One Centavo", year mark
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Central Bank of the Philippines"

Shape: round
Edge: plain
Diameter: 18.5mm
Material: copper
Designer: Melecio Figueroa

The figure of the man in the obverse is an allegory for the hard work being done by the Filipinos in building their own future.

1 Peso Coin - Pilipino Series

One Peso Coin

Pilipino Series (1967-1974)

Obverse: Jose Rizal, "Piso", "1"

Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Bangko Sentral", year mark

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 33 mm
Material: Copper-Nickel

50 Centavo Coin - Pilipino Series

Fifty Centavo Coin
Pilipino Series (1972)

Obverse: Marcelo H. del Pilar, "Limampung Sentimos", "50"
Reverse: Seal of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 27.0 mm

25 Centavo Coin - Pilipino Series

Twenty-five Centavo Coin
Pilipino Series (1967)

Obverse: Juan Luna, "Dalawampu't Limang Sentimos"
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 21 mm

10 Centavo Coin - Pilipino Series

Ten Centavo Coin
Pilipino Series (1972)

Obverse: Francisco Baltasar, "Sampung Sentimos"
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas, year mark

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 17.5 mm

5 Centavo Coin - Pilipino Series

Five Centavo Coin
Pilipino Series (1974)

Obverse: Melchora Aquino, "Limang Sentimos"
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Shape: round
Edge: plain
Diameter: 13 mm
Material: brass

1 Centavo Coin - Pilipino Series

One Centavo Coin
Pilipino Series (1967)

Obverse: Lapulapu, "Isang Sentimo"
Reverse: Seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas". year mark

Shape: round
Edge: plain
Diameter: 10 mm
Material: aluminum

5 Peso Coin - Bagong Lipunan Series

Five Peso Coin
Bagong Lipunan Series

Obverse: "Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos", "Setyembre 21, 1972", "Ang Bagong Lipunan"
Reverse: seal of the Republic of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", "5 Piso"

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 35.0mm

This is one the few coins in Philippine history that displayed a person who was still alive.

1 Peso Coin - Bagong Lipunan Series

One Peso Coin

Bagong Lipunan Series (1978)

Obverse: Jose Rizal, "Republika ng Pilipinas", "1 Piso"
Reverse: Seal of the Philippines, "Ang Bagong Lipunan", "Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas", year mark

Shape: round
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 28.5 mm

5 Centavo Coin - Bagong Lipunan Series

Five Centavo Coin

Bagong Lipunan Series (1975)

Obverse: Melchora Aquino, "Republika ng Pilipinas", 5 Sentimos
Reverse: former seal of the "Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas", year mark

Shape: some sort of a star
Edge: plain
Diameter: 13.5 mm
Material: brass

1 Centavo Coin - Bagong Lipunan Series

One Centavo Coin
Bagong Lipunan Series

Obverse: Lapulapu, "Republika ng Pilipinas", "1 Sentimo"
Reverse: former seal of the Central Bank of the Philippines, "Ang Bagong Lipunan", year mark

Shape: rounded square
Edge: plain
Length of Side: 11.5 mm
Material: aluminum

1 Sentimo Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

One Centavo Coin from the Flora and Fauna Series (1988)

Obverse: Lapu lapu, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark
Reverse: Voluta imperialis, 1 Sentimo

Shape: round/circular
Edge: plain
Diameter: 15.50 mm
Composition: 99.2% aluminum, 0.8% magnesium
Weight: 0.70 grams

5 Sentimo Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

Five Centavo Coin from the Flora anf Fauna Series (1987)

Obverse: Melchora Aquino, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark
Reverse: Vanda sanderiana (Waling waling, a rare and highly-prized orchid endemic to the island of Mindanao)

Shape: round/circular
Edge: plain
Diameter: 17.00 mm
Composition: 99.2% aluminum, 0.8% magnesium
Weight: 1.10 grams

10 Sentimo Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

Ten Centavo Coin (1993)
Flora and Fauna Series

Obverse: Francisco Baltasar, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark
Reverse: Pandaka pygmaea, 10 Sentimo

Shape: round/circular
Edge: plain
Diameter: 19.00 mm
Composition: 99.2% aluminum, 0.8% magnesium
Weight: 1.50 grams


Smallest Freshwater Fish

The smallest freshwater fish is the pygmy goby (Pandaka pygmaea), a colorless and nearly see-through species which swims in the streams of Luzon in the Philippines. Males are 7.5 - 9.9-mm (0.28 - 0.38-in) long and weigh 4 - 5 mg (0.00014 - 0.00018 oz).

50 Sentimo Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

Fifty Centavo Coin
Flora and Fauna Series (1986)

Obverse: Marcelo H. del Pilar, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Reverse: Pithecophaga jefferyi (Philippine Eagle/Monkey-eating Eagle), 50 Sentimo

Shape: round/circular
Edge: plain
Diameter: 25.00 mm
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 6.85 grams

Coin Error:
In 1983, the scientific name of the Philippine eagle was wrongly minted as Pithecobhaga jefferyi instead of Pithecophaga jefferyi. Read more...

Philippine Eagle
The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the rarest, largest and most powerful birds in the world. It is also known as Haribon or Haring Ibon, meaning "Bird King". The Philippine Eagle can be found in rainforests of four major Philippine islands - Luzon, Samar, Leyte and Mindanao. The Philippine Eagle is now known as the National Bird of the Philippines and this has helped increase awareness of the bird and its plight. Its numbers have slowly dwindled over the decades with only an estimated 500 pairs left. The Philippine Eagle may soon no longer be found in the wild, unless direct intervention is taken.

1 Peso Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

One Peso Coin
Flora and Fauna Series (1990)

Obverse: Jose Rizal, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Reverse: Anoa mindorensis (tamaraw), 1 Piso

Shape: round/circular
Edge: reeded
Diameter: 29.0 mm
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 9.50 grams

2 Peso Coin - Flora and Fauna Series

Two Peso Coin (1989)
Flora and Fauna Series

Obverse: Andres Bonifacio, "Republika ng Pilipinas", year mark

Reverse: Cocos nucifera, 2 Piso

Shape: 10-sided/decagonal

Edge: plain
Diameter: 31.00 mm across corners, 29.80 across flats
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Weight: 12.00 grams

5 Peso Coin - Improved Flora and Fauna Series

Five Peso Coin (1991)
Improved Flora and Fauna Series

Obverse: Emilio Aguinaldo and year mark

Reverse: Pterocarpus indicus

Shape: Round
Edge: Reeded
Diameter: 25.5 mm
Composition: Nickel brass

There was no 5 peso coin in the previous flora & fauna series. When the Bangko Sentral issued the improved series, they introduced this 5 peso coin to replace the 5 peso bill. The peso was diminishing in value due to inflation. The 5 peso banknote changed hands more frequently and got worn out easily. To save on the costs of printing new banknotes to replace those worn out, the Bangko Sentral turned to minting 5 peso coins which last a lot longer compared to paper money.

This is the same reason why the Bangko Sentral replaced the 10 peso bills with coins.

1 Peso Dekada ng Kulturang Pilipino Commemorative Coin

One Peso Dekada ng Kulturang Pilipino Commemorative Coin (1989)

Obverse: Busts of 3 Indigenous Filipinos, Rice Terraces, Hills, Abaca Plants, Zamboanga Vintas, "Dekada ng Kulturang Pilipino" 1988-1998

Reverse: Seal of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", "1-Piso", Year Mark

1 Peso Antipolo Commemorative Coin

One Peso Antipolo 400th Year Anniversary Commemorative Coin (1991)

Obverse: Hinulugang Taktak Waterfalls, Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage) on the San Jose, Artocarpus incisa (Breadfruit tree), "Ika-400 Taon ng Antipolo, Rizal"1591-1991

Reverse: Seal of the Philippines, "Republika ng Pilipinas", 1-Piso

Antipolo City:

Antipolo City is located in the central part of Rizal Province. It is approximately 26 km. east of Manila. It is bounded to the north by the municipalities of San Mateo and Rodriguez; to the east by the municipality of Gen. Nakar in neighboring Quezon Province; to the southeast by the municipality of Tanay; to the south by municipalities of Angono, Taytay and Teresa; and to the west by the municipality of Cainta and the city of Marikina in Metro Manila.

Artocarpus incisa (Breadfruit tree):

Antipolo City was named after the Tipolo (breadfruit) tree (Artocarpus incisa) which was in abundance in the area.

Hinulugang Taktak:

The Hinulugang Taktak falls is a part of Antipolo natural and cultural heritage. Its legendary origin dates back to the 15th century when legend has it that the waterfalls was where the townsfolk threw the large bell that caused undue disturbance whenever it was rung at Angelus. Its sound was so loud that the people could not endure it. They demanded that the local priest get rid of the bell. Thus Hinulugang Taktak, meaning the place where the bell was dropped. The place has since become a favorite spots for visitors and clients.

The Hinulugang Taktak waterfall is a living monument of the past. The City is a part and witnessed of that monumental years where people constantly attribute the place to the Patroness, the Our lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

The Hinulugang Taktak Recreation Area, which was reserved for scenic and recreaction purpose under Proclamation No. 330 dated July 18, 1952, has been converted into the Hinulugang Taktak National Park by virtue of Republic Act No. 6964 dated September 18 1990. This legendary 3.031 hectares park is located at Bgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City.

The park is an alluring view of natural formation. After soul cleansing at the renowned Antipolo Lady of Peace Shrine, the park offers physical and spiritual cleansing for pilgrims.Unfortunately the falls is now filthy, saturated by wastes from sewages, piggeries, poultries but political efforts are passively being carried out.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage:

The statue of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje was brought from Mexico to Manila By. Gov. Juan Niño de Tavora in 1626 and upon his death in 1632 the blessed statue was turned over to the Jesuits for the Church of Antipolo. The statue experienced greater wonders, most notably in her journeys, which is why she was called the Virgin Voyager. She made eight galleon crossings to Acapulco, during dangerous times, on perilous seas: in 1641, 1643, 1645 to 1649 on the Encarnacion; 1650 on the San Diego; 1651 to 1653 on the San Javier; 1659 to 1662 on the San Jose; and in 1746 to 1748 on the Nuestra Señora del Pilar. The statue of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje was "canonically crowned" on November 26, 1926, by the most Rev. Michael J. O Doherty, Archbishop of Manila, at the Luneta, Manila, in the presence of at least one hundred thousand people.

Antipolo is known to be the home of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (Nuestra Señora de la Paz Y Buen Viaje). Historians say that this miraculous icon has sailed back and forth between Manila and Acapulco eight times and on several occasions was credited with saving her galleon from destruction by pirates and Dutch and British blockades. The galleon’s safe arrivals were attributed to the miraculous powers of the statuette. During the month of May thousands of devotees, especially those intending to travel abroad, come to pay homage at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage.

2 Peso Jose P. Laurel Commemorative Coin

Two Peso Jose P. Laurel Birth Centenary Commemorative Coin (1991)

Obverse: Jose P. Laurel "Ika-100 Taong Kaarawan" 1891-1991

Reverse: 1943 Seal of the Republic of the Philippines with an equilateral triangle with the words Kapayapaan (Peace), Kalayaan (liberty), Katarungan (Justice). "Republika ng Pilipinas", 2 Piso

Shape: Decagon
Edge: Plain

2 Peso Elpidio Quirino Commemorative Coin

Two Peso Elpidio Quirino Birth Centenary Commemorative Coin (1990)

Obverse: Elpidio Quirino, "Ika-100 Taong Kaarawan" 1890-1990

Reverse: Seal of the President of the Philippines, 1948-1953, "Republika ng Pilipinas", "2 Piso"

Shape: Decagon
Edge: Plain