MYKOYNS
Philippine Numismatics

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

Explore Philippine numismatics through coins and banknotes, and learn how to start a collection while discovering the history behind Philippine currency.

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.

Learn about stamped and marked coins—counterstamped, countermarked, and chopmarked coins used in the Philippines. Discover how these marks validated foreign coins in circulation and why they remain important to collectors of Philippine currency.

Explore Spanish-Philippine decimal coins and learn how to collect colonial Philippine coinage. This guide covers the Manila Mint, major coin series, denominations, and challenges collectors encounter.

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.