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.

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.

Did you know the 10 Centavos coin is the longest-running denomination in Philippine coinage history? From its silver debut in 1864 to its final appearance in 2017, this humble coin witnessed centuries of change—from Spanish colonization, American occupation, and Commonwealth rule to full independence and modern-day Philippines. Explore its evolution through history, design, and materials—and discover how a small coin made a lasting impact on a nation’s currency.

Many believe the first Philippine commemorative coins were issued in 1947 featuring General Douglas MacArthur. But over a decade earlier, a special silver coin set was minted in 1936 to commemorate the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth. Designed by Filipino artist Ambrosio Morales, these coins not only feature historic leaders but also survived a dramatic wartime fate that makes them highly sought after today.

The Philippine One Peso coin wasn’t always made of base metals. Discover its evolution—from Spanish gold to U.S. silver—and how much it's worth to collectors today.

Did you know the last Spanish coin struck for the Philippines is nicknamed “Batang Alaska”? The 1897 Alfonso XIII UN Peso features a young king whose image reminds Pinoy collectors of the Alaska Milk logo. In this blog, I share my passion for this iconic coin, explore its historical and numismatic value, and offer tips to avoid common replica scams—especially from online sellers abroad.

The Alfonso XII 50 Centavos silver coins, minted in Manila from 1880 to 1885, are prized treasures in Spanish-Philippine coin collecting. With low mintage years like 1880 and 1884, mint errors, and hidden overdates such as 1882/1 and possibly 1883/5, these coins offer rich ground for discovery. In this blog, I share my collecting journey, how I spot errors, and why this underrated series deserves a second look from collectors.