MYKOYNS
Philippine Numismatics

Discover how ordinary-looking coins can reveal hidden coin varieties through closer study, careful observation, and real collecting experience.

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.

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.

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.