Identifying cleaned coins is a real challenge—especially when purchasing online. Photos don’t always reveal the subtle signs of cleaning, and it’s hard to tell whether the seller is unaware or simply not disclosing that a coin has been cleaned. Either way, it leaves the buyer guessing.

For over two centuries, Spain’s vast colonial empire—powered by global trade and the wealth of American silver mines—produced a wide array of coinage across its colonial mints. The majority of coins that circulated in the Philippines during the Spanish period were actually minted in Spanish colonial mints

Philippine counterstamped, countermarked, and chopmarked coins are coins that bear additional markings or alterations intentionally added to their surface. These modifications were typically applied for specific purposes—such as validation, reissuance, or authentication—depending on the historical and geographical context.

On March 19, 1861, the Manila Mint (Casa de Moneda) was inaugurated, marking the start of local gold coin production.

Collecting Spanish-Philippine coins offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Philippines during its colonial period

When I added a beautiful 1893 Japanese 1 Yen silver coin to my collection, I had no idea how to read the date! Japan uses a fascinating dating system based on its emperors, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I deciphered it—from recognizing the Era to translating Japanese numerals.

During WWII, Japan issued its own currency in the Philippines—called Japanese Invasion Money. Nicknamed “Mickey Mouse Money,” these notes quickly lost value due to overprinting, lack of trust, and Allied counterfeiting. But behind these worthless bills lies a fascinating story of economic manipulation and wartime survival.

What do you get when a coin is struck using mismatched dies? In numismatics, it’s called a mule—and in the Philippines, there are three fascinating examples. From the rare 1918-S 5C to the recently recognized 1944-S 50C, this post dives into their stories, how to spot them, and why collectors find them irresistible.