Exploring Alfonso XII 50 Centavos (1880–1885): Rarity, Values, and Hidden Varieties

One of my favorite Spanish-Philippine coins to collect is the Alfonso XII 50 Centavos Silver Coins, minted in Manila between 1880 and 1885. Alfonso XII reigned as King of Spain for only 11 years, from 1874 to 1885, and tragically died at just 27 years old. Because of his short reign, the coin series bearing his image is limited—especially the 50 Centavos, which was minted only in the final five years of his life. Had he lived longer, perhaps there would be more of these beautiful coins in circulation today.

Mintage and Rarity

There are only six standard varieties of the Alfonso XII 50 Centavos, and completing the full set is no easy task. Two dates—1880 and 1884—are particularly rare due to their low mintage figures. The 1880 coin had a mintage of 127,050, while the 1884 issue was struck in just 22,622 pieces. Given that these coins are now well over a century old, surviving examples are scarce and often pricey.

Market Value Insights

If you want to gauge current market values, Heritage Auctions is a good reference. In past auctions, the 1884 50 Centavos coin has sold for anywhere between $600 to over $1,000, depending on condition. You can also check the NGC World Coin Price Guide for additional pricing benchmarks.

Coins from the other years—especially 1885, which had a higher mintage—are more affordable and often available online. Depending on condition, 1885 pieces typically sell for around ₱700 to ₱2,000, although high-grade examples may fetch even more. eBay and other online platforms can offer useful pricing comparisons.

Alfonso XII 50 Centavos Silver Coins 1880 to 1885

A Closer Look: Alfonso XII 50 Centavos (1880–1885)

While the Un Peso coins of Alfonso XII tend to get more attention from collectors, the 50 Centavos series deserves a closer look. These coins may not be as flashy or popular as USPI coins, possibly due to condition issues or limited collector exposure, but for dedicated numismatists, they offer a rewarding challenge.

When I completed the basic date set from 1880 to 1885, I initially thought my journey with Alfonso XII 50 Centavos coins had come to an end. But then I discovered something even more interesting—error coins and overdate varieties

Mint Errors and Overdate Varieties

Alfonso XII 50 Centavos coins feature some intriguing mint errors and varieties, including overdates and die defects. These varieties are not always well documented and are often overlooked in auctions or listings—unless professionally graded.

I personally came across an overdate on an 1882 coin that I purchased online. The seller didn’t mention it, and the photos didn’t reveal it, but under magnification, the variety became obvious. Overdates often don’t attract much attention unless authenticated, as collectors tend to be cautious with undocumented errors.

Known Overdate Varieties:

• According to Numista, overdates exist for 1882 and 1885, though the exact overlapping digits aren’t clearly listed.

• The NGC Registry identifies them as 1882/0 and 1882/1.

• Interestingly, I spotted what appears to be a 1883/5 overdate on an online platform—proof that other undocumented varieties may still be out there.

  
  

To explore more, check out resources like Mint Errors and Varieties, which catalogs known overdates and mint anomalies in Spanish-Philippine coins.

Die Errors and Diagnostic Features

The most noticeable mint error on these coins is die damage, which can show up as cracks or gauges. Using error-ref as a guide, I examined 25 Alfonso XII coins under a microscope—and to my surprise, 11 of them showed additional error types.

While I’m not a professional grader, this hands-on observation sparked a new interest in Alfonso error coins. I plan to document and research these finds more deeply in the future.

Alfonsos 50C errors

Alfonsos 20C errors

Collector Tips & Final Thoughts

• Start with Common Dates

  Begin your collection with 1885 50 Centavos. They’re more accessible and affordable, making them a great starting point.

  
  

• Be Cautious of Cleaned Coins

  Due to their age, original surfaces are rare. Avoid coins with harsh cleaning—look for natural toning and consistent wear, especially on the high points and rims.

  
  

• Inspect for Errors

  Always examine coins under bright light or magnification. Look out for overdates, die cracks, or unusual features—you might just find a new variety.

  
  

• Compare Prices Across Platforms

  Whether it’s eBay, auction houses, or local dealers, always shop around—especially for rare years like 1880 and 1884.

  
  

• Authenticate Unique Finds

  If you suspect you’ve found a rare error or overdate, consider submitting it for third-party grading (NGC or PCGS). This adds both confidence and value to your discovery.

The Alfonso XII 50 Centavos may not receive as much attention as the iconic Un Peso or USPI coins, but they offer a rich and rewarding collecting experience. From low mintage rarities to overlooked mint errors, this series has a lot to offer both beginners and seasoned collectors alike.

Further reading:

• The Last Spanish Coin of the Philippines: Collecting the 1897 Alfonso XIII UN Peso

• One Peso Gold and Silver Coins of the Philippines - Colonial Period

• Spanish-Philippine Decimal Coinage (1861-1897)

Editors Note: This post was originally published August 29, 2024 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.