Commemorating the Hero of Mactan: Lapulapu in Philippine Numismatics
- My Koyns
- Nov 9, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 27
When asked who the first Filipino hero is, the most notable answer is the Datu of Mactan—Lapulapu, known as the first native leader to resist foreign influence in the Philippine archipelago. He stood his ground against Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who sailed under the banner of Spain.
Lapulapu’s defiance culminated in what is now known as the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. In this fierce clash, Magellan and many of his men were killed.
Those who survived eventually abandoned the expedition, betrayed by some of their former local allies. Today, the victory at Mactan is celebrated annually, especially in Cebu, during the Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival every April 27, where the historic battle is re-enacted with much pride and festivity.
But the impact of the Battle of Mactan goes beyond local history. It became a pivotal moment in the first circumnavigation of the world. After Magellan’s death, his crew, led by Juan Sebastián Elcano, sailed westward through the Indian Ocean and back to Spain—completing the globe’s first recorded voyage around the world.
Did you know that Spain commemorates this achievement through events and tributes marking the Magellan–Elcano circumnavigation? In fact, a replica of the Victoria (Magellan’s last surviving ship), known as the Nao Victoria, is currently sailing the world to honor this voyage. They even produced an animated film titled Elcano & Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World to bring this story to life.
Lapulapu in Philippine Coins
Despite Lapulapu’s legendary status, his appearances in Philippine coinage are surprisingly rare. Unlike Rizal or Bonifacio—whose portraits are often seen on coins—Lapulapu has only appeared three times:
One Centavo – Pilipino Series
One Centavo – Ang Bagong Lipunan Series
One Centavo – Flora and Fauna Series
All three coins were struck in aluminum, with the Flora and Fauna variant containing aluminum-magnesium. These coins featured his iconic profile, but none were in higher denominations or in precious metals—until 2021.
Lapulapu in Police and Military Symbolism
Because of what Lapulapu symbolizes—courage, leadership, and resistance—he has been widely adopted by security agencies. The Philippine National Police (PNP), for instance, features Lapulapu on its official seal and badge, elevating him as a national symbol of protection and service.
The 2021 BSP Commemorative Banknote and Silver Medal
After 26 years of absence in national currency, Lapulapu returned in a significant way.
In 2021, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) released two historic pieces:
A ₱5000 Commemorative Banknote
A 99.9% Silver Commemorative Medal
Both items were highly anticipated and celebrated. The silver medal was offered by the BSP Store at ₱3,500, complete with a presentation box and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). However, BSP did not disclose official mintage figures, adding to the piece’s mystique and appeal.
Visit the Numista website to view specifications for the 500th Anniversary – Battle of Mactan medal.
Image by BSP via their Media and Research - Press Release
Soaring Demand and Market Value
Only days after the BSP release, the Lapulapu Silver Medal began appearing on Facebook auction groups. The first listings soared to ₱12,000, and some collectors even purchased it for ₱10,000 at auction. Today, market prices range from ₱6,500 to ₱14,000, depending on condition and completeness. The Numista rarity index also lists it as a very scarce item, making it a prized possession in any collection.
Because of its steep increase in price, some resellers were accused of overpricing the medal. Nonetheless, demand remains strong, and the medal is now considered one of the most sought-after modern commemoratives in Philippine numismatics.
Private Medals by Numisworks and Alamat
In the same year, two private numismatic groups also released their own commemorative Lapulapu medals:
Numisworks – Lapulapu Medal
Released in limited quantities, this design featured Lapulapu in high detail, though no precious metal variant was issued.
Alamat Commemorative Coins – Lapulapu Medals
Alamat released two variants:
99.9% Silver-plated Brass Medal
99.9% Pure Silver Medal
Initial prices were accessible:
₱800–₱900 for the brass-plated version
₱3,200 for the pure silver variant
Even these pieces saw increased demand. In early auctions, the pure silver medal fetched up to ₱4,500.
You can find more details and specs at Numista:
Lapulapu Medal - Brass
Both BSP and Alamat included the Battle of Mactan on the reverse side of their medals. Between the two, I personally prefer the Alamat design for its intricate detailing and dramatic composition.
Other Lapulapu Medals and Collectibles
Beyond these coins and commemoratives, other Lapulapu-themed medals exist—mostly issued by military and police organizations as tokens of recognition or service awards. Some occasionally surface in auctions and private listings.
Final Thoughts
So far, these are the most notable coins and medals that pay tribute to Lapulapu, the Hero of Mactan. Despite being a foundational figure in Philippine history, his numismatic legacy remains limited but deeply meaningful. His reappearance in 2021 sparked a resurgence in appreciation and collecting interest.
Further reading:
Editors Note: This post was originally published November 9, 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Comments