Collecting Philippine Commemorative Proof Sets: Beauty, Rarity, and Value

My Koyns
Sep 25, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jul 27

They say if you're easily accused, you better have PROOF—well, in my case, it came in the form of shiny coins!

This is the story of how a single coin sparked my passion for Philippine Commemorative Proof Sets and forever changed the way I collect.

How I Got Started with Proof Sets

When I first got into coin collecting, my initial focus was on silver coins. The first commemorative coin I ever bought came from a co-worker. I asked him why he was letting go of his commemorative pieces, and he explained that he was shifting his attention to coin sets. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what he meant—I had no idea what coin sets were or why they mattered.

Things changed during my second trip to the U.S. While browsing eBay, I stumbled upon a listing from a charity seller offering six pieces of the 1975 Philippine Proof Coin Set—all in one lot. Curious, I started digging for more information online and quickly realized it was a steal. I bought the entire lot for only ₱14,000.

What Makes Proof Sets Special

When I received the 1975 Proof Set, I was instantly captivated. The mirror-like finish, elegant presentation, and complete coin lineup—from sterling silver to the lowest denominations—made it feel like a true collector's treasure.

Unlike loose coins, proof sets typically come sealed in hard cases or elegant packaging, often accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). It’s this completeness and formality that makes them stand out.

At first, like many collectors, I focused only on silver. But these proof sets showed me a different perspective: the value of collecting entire coin series as a set, not just by metal content.

Complete List of Philippine Commemorative Proof Sets (1974–1983)

Through research, I discovered that only ten official Philippine Proof Sets were released between 1974 and 1983. When I say "sets," I mean complete multi-denomination sets, not just the silver issues that often get sold individually.

Pilipino Series:

1974 - known mintage 10k

ABL Series (Ang Bagong Lipunan):

1975 - known mintage: 36,516
1976 - known mintage: 9,901
1977 - known mintage: 4,822
1978 - known mintage: 4,792
1979 - known mintage: 3,645
1980 - known mintage: 3,133
1981 - known mintage: 1,795
1982 - known mintage: NA

Flora and Fauna Series:

1983 - known mintage: 750 (Yes, just 750 in the world!)

For more info and mintage details:

Why These Sets Are Rare and Pricey

While official mintage numbers give us a baseline, the actual number of complete surviving sets is much lower. Many sets have been broken up, their coins sold individually—especially the silver ones, which tend to attract more buyers. Others are disassembled for grading or stored in alternative holders, removing them from their original packaging.

That’s why it’s increasingly rare to find intact proof sets, especially those with their original box and COA. Even the 1974 set, which contains no silver coins, is difficult to locate today.

Proof Set Price Range (Based on My Experience)

Here’s a rough price guide based on the market and my own collecting journey:

Year	Rarity	Estimated Price (PHP)
1975	Common	₱7,000 – ₱10,000
1976	Common	₱7,000 – ₱10,000
1977–1979	Semi-Hard to Find	₱11,000 – ₱16,000
1980	Rare	₱16,000 – ₱20,000
1981	Very Rare	₱30,000 – ₱40,000
1982	Ultra Rare	₱40,000 – ₱50,000
1983	Rarest	₱45,000 – ₱55,000 (if you’re lucky!)

I once saw a 1981 set without a COA go for $650–$1,000 on eBay—before taxes and shipping!

Final Thoughts

Owning a Philippine Commemorative Proof Set is a proud milestone for any serious collector. With their low mintages and historical significance, each set is a tangible piece of numismatic heritage.

For me, the toughest sets to acquire were from 1979 to 1983, and I consider myself lucky to have found them. It helps a lot to build relationships with trusted sellers, especially those who keep an eye out for these rarities.

Proof Sets are increasingly in demand, and their prices are only going up. So if you ever come across one for sale, don’t hesitate—you may not get another chance.

I’ve seen this quote shared often among collectors:

"It’s not expensive—you just can’t afford it."

Funny, yes—but also a reminder of the rarity and value of these sets. If you're planning to collect Philippine Proof Sets, get your budget ready. This is one shiny addiction you won’t regret.

Further reading:

Editors Note: This post was originally published September 25, 2024 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.