Etched in History: Philippine Counterstamped, Countermarked and Chopmarked Coins
- My Koyns
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
What Are Philippine Counterstamped, Countermarked, and Chopmarked Coins?
Counterstamped, countermarked, and chopmarked coins are coins that bear additional markings or alterations intentionally added to their surface. These modifications were typically applied for specific purposes—such as validation, reissuance, or authentication—depending on the historical and geographical context.
While these markings often carry significant historical and functional value, they are technically considered alterations—and sometimes even “damage”—from a numismatic standpoint, as they change the original state of the coin.
Counterstamps and Countermarks in Philippine Coinage
In the Philippines, counterstamping and countermarking were used during the Spanish colonial period, particularly between 1828 and 1839.
During this time, Spain had lost most of its colonies in South America. To address the shortage of coins circulating in the Philippines, Spanish authorities allowed the use of coins minted in those former colonies.
However, many of these foreign coins bore revolutionary slogans and symbols promoting liberty and independence. Concerned that these messages might inspire rebellion among Filipinos, the Spanish colonial government issued a decree requiring such coins to be counterstamped or countermarked before they could legally circulate.
Image Source: coinweek.com, by Stacks Bowers, The Ray Czahor Reference Collection of Philippines Countermarks
The Counterstamp Period (1828–1830)
From 1828 to 1830, the Spanish authorities used a counterstamping method that aimed to obscure the original designs and inscriptions on the coins—often covering large portions of the surface. Due to the delicate and labor-intensive nature of the process, it was eventually discontinued.
Coins from this period are easily identified by the word “MANILA” prominently stamped on their surface. Only coins dated 1828, 1829, and 1830 were produced using this method.
Image Source: philippinephilatelist.net, Counterstamped Coinage
The Countermark Period (Beginning in 1832)
In 1832, a simpler method was introduced using a punch die. This approach involved impressing a small circular countermark onto the coin, usually bearing the initials of the reigning Spanish monarch.
There are two known variants:
“F7” for King Fernando VII, used until his death in 1834
Image Source: en.numista.com, 1 Real - Ferdinand VII, Countermark
“YII” for Queen Isabella II, used during her reign
Image Source: en.numista.com, 2 Reales - Isabella II, Countermark
Unlike the earlier counterstamps, these countermarks validated the coins for legal use in the Philippines without completely defacing their original design.
Chopmarks: A Merchant’s Seal of Trust
Chopmarks served a distinct function from counterstamps and countermarks. While the latter were typically applied by government authorities, chopmarks were added by individuals, merchants, or institutions—particularly Chinese traders and banks—to verify the authenticity and silver content of a coin.
These marks were usually small Chinese characters or symbols, hammered into the coin’s surface, indicating that the coin had been tested and trusted as genuine. In essence, chopmarks acted as an early form of third-party verification, much like modern coin graders—though without assigning any grade or numeric score.
Chopmarked coins were especially common in international trade, particularly throughout East and Southeast Asia, where verifying the silver content of circulating foreign coins was essential for trust in commercial transactions.
Coins bearing chopmarks circulated widely and can be found on various types of coinage, including Spanish colonial coins, U.S. Trade dollars, and even U.S. Philippine coins.
Value and Perception in Numismatics
From a numismatic perspective, counterstamps, countermarks, and chopmarks are technically considered alterations—intentional “damage” to the original state of the coin. This often leads to a reduction in value for collectors who prioritize pristine or unaltered specimens.
However, these marks also make a coin historically unique. The added context and narrative behind each mark—whether governmental or commercial—can enhance a coin’s desirability among collectors interested in historical usage, trade, or cultural significance.
Chopmarked coins are generally more affordable today, offering a fascinating glimpse into historic Asian trade networks.
Counterstamped and countermarked coins, especially those used in colonial contexts like the Philippines, command a premium due to their rarity and the rich history tied to their issuance.
In some cases, the story behind the mark becomes as valuable as the coin itself.
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