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COMMEMORATIVE COINAGE
Philippine Commemorative Silver One Peso Coins
Following World War II, many countries gradually moved away from precious-metal coinage as part of a global shift toward modern monetary systems. Gold and silver coins were increasingly replaced by base-metal currencies better suited for everyday circulation.
In the Philippines, silver coins continued to circulate for a time after the war, particularly those issued during the Commonwealth period. However, in the early years following independence, the use of silver in regular circulating coinage gradually came to an end.
Instead, silver was used primarily for commemorative coins honoring important figures and historic events in Philippine history. The tradition of issuing commemorative coins in the Philippines had already begun earlier during the Commonwealth period with the 1936 commemorative coins celebrating the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth.
After World War II, the one-peso denomination was again used for several commemorative issues honoring national heroes and significant milestones. Among these were a series of silver one-peso coins issued between the late 1940s and 1970, produced not for everyday circulation but as commemorative pieces marking important moments in the nation’s history.
The First Post-War Commemorative Silver Peso
The first commemorative silver peso issued after World War II marked the return of General Douglas MacArthur and the liberation of the Philippines.
Issued in 1947, this commemorative coin celebrated the third anniversary of the Leyte Gulf landing in 1944. The coin was accompanied by a matching 50-centavo silver commemorative.
This issue remains one of the most historically significant Philippine commemorative coins because it commemorates the liberation of the country from Japanese occupation.
For collectors interested in earlier precious-metal peso coins issued during the colonial period, see our article on Gold and Silver One Peso Coins of the Philippines.
1947 Philippine One Peso and 50 Centavos Douglas MacArthur Commemorative Coins
Silver Pesos Honoring National Heroes and Historic Events
During the 1960s, the Philippines issued a series of commemorative silver one-peso coins marking centennial anniversaries of national heroes and other significant events.
These coins form one of the most recognizable commemorative coin series in Philippine numismatics.
1961 – José Rizal Centennial
In 1961, the Philippines celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of José Rizal, the country’s national hero. A silver one-peso coin and a matching 50-centavo version were issued to commemorate the occasion. These coins remain popular among collectors due to their historical significance.
1961 Philippine One Peso and 50 Centavos José Rizal Birth Centennial Commemorative Coins
1963 – Andres Bonifacio Centennial
This commemorative coin honored Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan and one of the most important leaders of the Philippine Revolution against Spain.
1963 Philippine One Peso Andres Bonifacio Birth Centennial Commemorative Coin
1964 – Apolinario Mabini Centennial
The 1964 commemorative silver peso honored Apolinario Mabini, often called the “Sublime Paralytic,” who served as a key adviser during the Philippine Revolution and early republic.
1964 Philippine One Pes Apolinario Mabini Birth Centennial Commemorative Coin
1967 – 25th Anniversary of Bataan Day
Issued to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of Bataan, this coin honored the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II.
1967 Philippine One Peso Bataan Day Anniversary Commemorative Coin
1969 – Emilio Aguinaldo Centennial
The Philippines issued this coin to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines.
1969 Philippine One Peso Emilio Aguinaldo Birth Centennial Commemorative Coin
1970 – Papal Visit of Pope Paul VI
A commemorative one-peso coin was also issued to celebrate the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to the Philippines in 1970.
This issue was notable because it was struck in both silver and pure nickel, making it unique among Philippine commemorative coins.
1970 Philippine One Peso Papal Visit Commemorative Coins (Silver and Nickel Issues)
Collector Insight: Value and Rarity
Today, the commemorative silver pesos issued between 1961 and 1970 remain popular among collectors and are generally considered affordable and accessible, particularly when compared with earlier precious-metal Philippine coins.
Their value varies depending on:
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Condition
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Rarity
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Collector demand
Collectors interested in earlier silver peso issues may also explore:
Philippine Commemorative Silver One Peso Coins
A Curious Numismatic Mystery
An unusual story surrounding the 1961 Rizal commemorative coins is recorded in the book Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines by Aldo P. Basso.
According to the account, a U.S. coin dealer reportedly purchased 70,000 sets of the 1961 commemorative coins. Of these, the dealer allegedly melted:
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42,000 half-peso coins
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32,000 one-peso coins
Why these coins were melted remains unclear, but the event represents a significant loss of historically important commemorative coins.
Final Thoughts
Although commemorative silver pesos rarely appear in everyday transactions today, they remain important pieces of Philippine numismatic history.
Each coin serves as a tribute to national heroes, historic milestones, and moments that helped shape the identity of the Philippines.
For collectors, these coins represent more than their silver content—they preserve history in metal and continue to inspire interest in Philippine numismatics.
References & Sources:
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – "Commemorative Coins"
Basso, Aldo P. "Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines." Menlo Park, CA: Chenby Publishers, 1968.
Continue Your Numismatic Study:
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Explore in-depth research articles: Philippine Numismatic Studies
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Browse all collector topics: Philippine Numismatics Collectors Hub
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Understand the historical context: Philippine Currency Timeline
Published Date: 8/31/2023
Last Updated: 3/14/2026