MYKOYNS
Philippine Numismatics
Collecting Counterstamped, Countermarked, and Chopmarked Coins
Counterstamped and countermarked coins represent one of the most fascinating and complex areas of Philippine numismatics. These coins reflect a period when the Philippine economy relied heavily on foreign silver coinage and colonial authorities took steps to regulate circulation by validating existing coins with official marks.
For collectors, these coins offer a unique combination of history, variety, and detective work. Each piece tells a story—not only about the official stamp applied by colonial authorities but also about the host coin on which it appears.
For a full historical explanation of the counterstamping program introduced in the early nineteenth century, see the Spanish-Philippine Counterstamped Coinage (1828–1839) section of the Philippine Currency Timeline.
Understanding the Different Types of Marks
Coins encountered by collectors may carry several types of markings. Understanding the difference between these marks is essential when studying Philippine counterstamped coinage.
Counterstamped Coins
Counterstamped coins are coins that received an official stamp applied by government authority to validate their circulation.
In the Philippines during the early nineteenth century, Spanish authorities counterstamped circulating foreign coins—primarily Spanish American silver coins—to officially authorize their use within the colony.
These marks served as a form of monetary control during periods when newly minted coins were not available locally.
Counterstamped Coins
Countermarked coins are similar to counterstamped coins but may involve additional or secondary marks applied after the original coin was issued.
These marks may have been applied by authorities or institutions to indicate revalidation, circulation approval, or other administrative purposes.
In some cases, collectors use the terms counterstamp and countermark interchangeably, though numismatists sometimes distinguish between the two based on how and when the marks were applied.
Chopmarked Coins
Chopmarks are small marks applied by private merchants, bankers, or traders, primarily to verify the authenticity of silver coins.
These marks were commonly used in trade networks across Asia, including China and Southeast Asia. When silver coins circulated widely in regional commerce, merchants often applied chopmarks as a guarantee of weight and purity.
Unlike official counterstamps, chopmarks were not issued by governments. They were applied by individual merchants, bankers, or traders, and their designs vary widely. As a result, chopmarks can be difficult for collectors to classify and study systematically.
Image Source: CoinWeek/Stacks Bowers, The Ray Czahor Reference Collection of Philippines Countermarks
Collector Tip
These coins are collectible but not extremely rare. Many examples appear in auctions and collector markets, though condition and host coin variety can significantly affect desirability.
Host Coins: The Foundation of Counterstamped Collecting
One of the most interesting aspects of collecting counterstamped coins is studying the host coins on which the marks appear.
Because the Philippines relied heavily on foreign coinage, counterstamps were applied to a wide range of Spanish American coins.
Common host coins include:
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Latin American 8 Reales from various mints
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Other large silver coins circulating in Asian trade
For collectors, the host coin can be just as interesting as the counterstamp itself. Differences in mint origin, date, and design add additional layers of variety.
What Collectors Look For
When studying Philippine counterstamped coins, collectors typically examine several factors.
The Counterstamp
Collectors evaluate:
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Clarity of the stamp
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Placement on the coin
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Completeness of the design
Strong, well-centered counterstamps are generally more desirable.
The Host Coin
Because these stamps appear on foreign coins, collectors also consider:
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The original coin’s mint
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The date of the host coin
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Overall condition
Some collectors specialize in studying specific host coin varieties.
Condition
Condition plays an important role in value and desirability. However, collectors often accept some wear because these coins circulated heavily in everyday commerce.
Even worn examples can remain historically important and collectible.
Chopmarked Coins
Identifying Authentic Counterstamps
Because counterstamped coins are popular among collectors, altered or artificially stamped coins occasionally appear in the market.
Collectors should examine:
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The depth and style of the stamp
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Consistency with known examples
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The relationship between the stamp and the coin’s surface wear
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Unusually sharp stamp with no circulation wear
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Incorrect host coin type
Studying verified examples and consulting reliable references can help collectors avoid misidentified pieces.
Collector Tip
Counterstamped coins have occasionally been counterfeited. In some cases, the host coin may be genuine, but the counterstamp was added later and is not authentic. When acquiring these coins, collectors should compare the stamp carefully with known genuine examples and reliable references to confirm authenticity.
Why Collectors Are Drawn to Counterstamped Coins
They represent:
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An important chapter in Philippine monetary history
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The intersection of global trade and colonial administration
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Unique combinations of host coins and official marks
No two pieces are exactly alike, which adds to the appeal of studying and collecting them.
Collector Tip
The MANILA counterstamp was short-lived and is relatively easy to identify. Countermarks, however, appear in many different varieties and can be more difficult to classify. For a detailed reference on Philippine countermarks, see the book "Resellos Filipinos." by Yap, Eldrich, and Janssen Bantugan.
A Unique Area of Philippine Numismatics
For collectors interested in colonial coinage, counterstamped coins offer a rewarding field of study. They combine historical significance with the challenge of identifying marks, host coins, and circulation patterns.
As artifacts of a time when the Philippines depended heavily on foreign coinage, these pieces provide valuable insight into how the colonial monetary system functioned in everyday life.
References & Sources:
Yap, Eldrich, and Janssen Bantugan. "Resellos Filipinos: Countermarked Coins of the Philippines." Quezon City, Philippines: Sact Sure Print Unlimited, 2018.
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Published Date: 4/14/2025
Last Updated: 3/13/2026