If you’ve ever held an old coin or vintage banknote and wondered about its story, you’re already stepping into the world of numismatics. Discover how Philippine coins and banknotes reveal the country’s rich history, and learn how you can start your own collection with simple, practical steps.

When I first discovered an Alfonso XIII coin, I was captivated by holding history in my hand. These Spanish colonial coins, including the iconic 1897 Philippine Peso, showcase the king’s youthful portrait, intricate design, and silver craftsmanship. Beyond their artistry, they intrigue collectors for their condition, rarity, and historical significance, offering a tangible connection to Spain’s final years of rule in the Philippines.

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.

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.

While the world braced for the Y2K bug in 2000, the Philippines quietly launched its first bimetallic coin—the 10 Piso Millennium Coin. Once a circulating coin, it has now become a prized collector’s item with growing market value and historical significance.

Last April 2024, I attended my very first numismatic show—and it was more than just coins on tables. It was a community, a classroom, and a marketplace all rolled into one. Here's what I saw, learned, and why I think every collector should experience it at least once.

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.