República Filipina Currency (1898-1901)

When the Philippines declared its independence from Spain in 1898, the First Philippine Republic—also known as the Malolos Republic—was formally established in 1899. As a newly formed nation, one of its first acts was to develop its own national currency. However, the Philippine Republic was short-lived, lasting only from 1899 to 1901. As a result, only a limited number of these revolutionary-era currencies were produced.

​

These currencies were authorized by the Malolos Congress for the newly established República Filipina, marking a historic step toward national independence. As the legislative body of the First Philippine Republic, the Malolos Congress aimed to create a unified economy by issuing the country’s own banknotes and coins. Unlike traditional currencies backed by gold or silver, these were supported by the government's revenues.

​

​1. República Filipina Coins - 1899

​

So far, only two known issuers of these Revolutionary coins have been identified: Panay Island and the town of Malolos in Bulacan.

​

The Panay coins were minted in the 1 centavo denomination. The obverse features the bust of a soldier, along with the inscription República Filipina and the year of issue. The reverse depicts a sun within a triangle, accompanied by the word Panay and the denomination written in words.

​

​The Malolos coins has known 3 types minted in 2 centavos denomination.

​

1. The first and second types feature, on their obverse, a sun with rays flanked by three stars, the inscription República Filipina, and the date of issue. The reverse displays a sprig and a bell pepper flanking the denomination value, with the word Libertad above and the denomination written in words below. The only difference between these two types is the date: the first has a smaller date, while the second shows a larger one.

​

2. The third type features a triangle with a star at each corner and a radiant sun at the center, accompanied by the inscription República Filipina and the date of issue. The reverse shows a wreath encircling the denomination at the center.

​