The Y2K of Coins: The Scarce and Collectible 2000 10 Piso Millennium Coin

My Koyns
Jun 26, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jul 28

Do you remember the Millennium Bug, also known as Y2K? It was a global scare—a potential digital disaster caused by older computers that stored years as two digits. As the world entered the year 2000, people feared systems would crash, planes would fall from the sky, and banks would lose records. Fortunately, none of that happened.

But in the world of numismatics, the year 2000 marked a much more exciting milestone—the release of the 10 Piso Millennium Coin, a uniquely designed coin that continues to draw the attention of collectors to this day.

A Coin to Mark the Millennium: 2000 10 Piso

The 2000 10 Piso Millennium Coin was the seventh coin and highest denomination in the BSP Coin Series (1995–2017). It was introduced during a time of technological transition and modernization for both the world and the Philippines. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) seized the moment to issue a commemorative design within a circulating series.

This coin introduced several firsts:

First bimetallic coin issued in the Philippines
First time two heroes shared the same coin: Apolinario Mabini and Andres Bonifacio
First coin with an interrupted reeded edge, a feature common in European coinage but novel in the Philippines

Coin Features at a Glance

Obverse: Busts of Mabini and Bonifacio, both central figures in the Philippine Revolution
Reverse: Denomination, year “2000,” and the BSP seal
Composition:
- Outer ring: Copper-nickel
- Inner core: Aluminum-bronze
Edge: Interrupted reeding (alternating smooth and reeded sections)
Diameter: ~26.5 mm
Weight: ~8.7 grams

Rising Value and Rarity

While also minted for general circulation, the coin did not stay long in everyday use. Today, both the loose and blister pack versions are highly sought-after.

Market Snapshot:

Loose coin: Often sells for ₱30–₱100 locally (3x–10x its face value)
eBay listings: Around $40–$60 (as of 2024)
Blister pack edition: Auctioned at ₱1,500 (Moreton, June 2024)

Collector Tips: Building Your 10 Piso Series

Start with Circulation Finds

Check old coin jars, wallets, or ask family members. Some 10 Piso coins from the mid-2000s still turn up in loose change.

Prioritize the Scarce Dates

Some years—especially 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009—are difficult to find. These often had probably low mintages or were produced for limited circulation.

Look for the Blister Pack Editions

The Millennium coin came in an official BSP blister pack with a red or blue backing card. These are now scarce and add significant collector appeal.

Beware of Cleaned Coins

Some 10 Piso coins may be polished to look “proof-like,” but this reduces their value. Natural patina and signs of circulation are preferred in most cases.

Join Collector Groups

Online groups like Philippine Coin Collectors Facebook groups or forums often have community-driven price lists, coin swaps, and leads on rare pieces.

Final Thoughts

The 10 Piso Millennium Coin is more than just a piece of metal—it’s a snapshot of Philippine history, design innovation, and the optimism of a new era. For collectors, it presents both a challenge and a reward. Whether you collect for passion, history, or investment, this coin deserves a place in your collection.

Further reading: