This article explores the legacy of General Douglas MacArthur as reflected in Philippine numismatics—from the 1947 independence commemoratives to the 1980 centennial coins, the Leyte Landing anniversary issues, and modern medals that honor his pivotal role in the nation’s wartime history.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has released its latest commemorative coin—a 750-piso silver piece celebrating the bank’s 75th anniversary. This marks BSP’s third major commemorative issue, following releases in 1999 and 2019. The release was highly anticipated, though not without hiccups on the BSP Store website.

Lapulapu, the legendary Datu of Mactan who defeated Magellan in 1521, is a symbol of Filipino resistance. But did you know he appeared only a few times in Philippine coinage? From a humble 1 centavo coin to the highly coveted 2021 5000 Piso commemorative medal, Lapulapu's presence in numismatics is both rare and significant. Discover the medals and coins that celebrate the hero of Mactan and how collectors value them today.

After WWII, silver coins gradually disappeared from daily circulation, but the Philippines continued to issue special silver One Peso coins to commemorate key historical events and figures. From General MacArthur’s Leyte Landing to Jose Rizal’s centennial, these coins are more than just legal tender—they’re miniature monuments of memory.

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.

From a curious beginner to a passionate collector, this blog explores the journey of discovering Philippine Commemorative Proof Sets—why they’re beautiful, rare, and increasingly hard to find. Learn about their mintage, current market prices, and tips for building your own collection.

“Proof ka ba? Inde Matte!” If you’re confused by the terms Proof, Matte, and BU when buying or collecting Philippine commemorative coins, you’re not alone. In this guide, I share what I’ve learned — from shiny mirrors to jelly-like reflections — on how to tell these finishes apart using practical tests and ABL coin examples. Whether you’re new to collecting or just curious, this blog will help you confidently spot the difference.