José Rizal: His Legacy in Philippine Numismatics
- My Koyns
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
José Rizal was a reformist and polymath whose writings—particularly Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo—helped shape the Philippine quest for identity and reform. His execution in 1896 marked a turning point that intensified the revolutionary movement, cementing his place in Philippine national memory and, ultimately, in the country’s numismatic history.
1) Early Colonial Currency Issues
José Rizal’s intellectual influence and martyrdom elevated him as a unifying national figure, paving the way for his early representation in Philippine currency. Following the enactment of the Philippine Coinage Act of 1903, Rizal became the first Filipino portrayed on the new Silver Certificate banknotes. His appearance on the 2-peso note—alongside other denominations bearing American figures such as George Washington and William McKinley—reflected his emerging role as a symbol of Filipino identity within the colonial monetary system.
In 1906, the U.S. colonial government established the island of Culion in Palawan as a leper colony to segregate and treat patients with leprosy. The colony issued its own circulating coinage, struck in aluminum and copper-nickel, for exclusive use within the settlement. José Rizal’s portrait appeared on the 5-centavos and 1-peso coins, further reinforcing his symbolic association with compassion, reform, and national identity—even within one of the most isolated institutions of the colonial period.
2) Early Republic Currency and Commemorative Issues
Following the declaration of Philippine independence, José Rizal continued to be prominently depicted on a series of banknotes, coins, and commemorative issues. In the English Series banknotes, Rizal retained his place on the 2-peso note, while in the later Pilipino Series, his portrait was transferred to the 1-piso banknote.
During this same period, the Philippines reintroduced a 1-piso circulation coin—an issue not seen since 1912. Unlike earlier silver peso coins, this new 1-piso coin was struck in base metal rather than silver. Nevertheless, José Rizal’s portrait was introduced on the coin, firmly establishing his enduring association with the 1-piso denomination.
In commemorative coinage, one of the earliest issues of the Republic honored Rizal’s 100th birth anniversary. Struck in silver, this commemorative set consisted of a 1-piso and a 50-centavos coin, marking a significant milestone in Philippine numismatic history and reinforcing Rizal’s lasting national legacy.
3) Modern-Day Currency and Commemorative Issues
In Philippine banknotes, the last series to feature José Rizal was the 2-piso note of the Ang Bagong Lipunan (ABL) series. Since then, Rizal’s representation has been firmly established on the 1-piso coin. Beginning in 1972, his portrait was placed on the 1-piso coin and continued through successive coin series, remaining evident in the current Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) coinage.
In commemorative issues, the next major release following the Republic-era coins came 35 years later. In 1996, a 500-piso proof coin was issued to mark the centennial of Rizal’s martyrdom. To date, this remains the highest-denomination commemorative coin dedicated to José Rizal.
Subsequent commemorative issues include a 1-piso circulating commemorative coin for his 150th birth anniversary in 2011 and, in 2022, a non-circulating commemorative coin issued to mark the 125th anniversary of his martyrdom.
4) Commemorative Medals
Beyond coins and banknotes, the commemoration of José Rizal also extends to medals. Some were officially issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, while many others were produced privately.
Among the most notable official issues is the 2011 BSP commemorative medal marking Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary, struck in nickel-brass and issued with gold and silver plating. Notable private issues include the 2021 silver and non-silver medals produced by Alamat and Numisworks, celebrating the life, works, and enduring legacy of José Rizal.
José Rizal’s presence in Philippine currency reflects more than historical commemoration—it mirrors how a nation chooses to remember its ideals. From colonial banknotes to modern coinage and medals, his image has endured as a symbol of intellect, reform, and national identity.
1961 1P Jose Rizal commemorative coin was created by U.S. Mint engraver, Engelhardus von Hebel.