Commemorating in Silver: The Philippine One Peso Coins After WWII

With the global shift in monetary systems before World War II, the era of circulating gold and silver coins was coming to a close.

In the Philippines, silver coins continued to circulate after WWII—mainly those issued during the Commonwealth period. But it wasn’t until 1972 that a new One Peso coin made of nickel-brass was minted for everyday use.

Since independence, the only One Peso silver coins issued have been commemorative, not meant for daily transactions. Still, I bet Aling Nenes' Sari-Sari Store wouldn't complain if someone paid for a kilo of rice with one—since these coins are technically legal tender!

Want to learn about the One Peso gold and silver coins of the colonial era? Check out: One Peso Gold and Silver Coins of the Philippines - Colonial Period.

So, What Are These Philippine One Peso Commemorative Silver Coins?

The first One Peso commemorative silver coin minted after WWII honored the 3rd Anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing and Liberation of the Philippines by Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1944. A matching 50 Centavos silver version was also issued.

Silver Pesos Honoring Heroes and Events

From 1961 to 1970, the Philippines issued several silver One Peso coins to commemorate national heroes’ centennial birth anniversaries and historic milestones:

• 1961 – Jose Rizal Centennial

  
  

  

  
  

  A silver One Peso coin and a 50 Centavos version were issued to honor Rizal's 100th birthday.

  
  

•  1963 – Andres Bonifacio Centennial

  
  

  

  
  

  Commemorating the father of the Katipunan movement.

  
  

• 1964 – Apolinario Mabini Centennial

  
  

  

  
  

  Honoring the Sublime Paralytic and brain of the Philippine Revolution.

• 1967 – 25th Anniversary of Bataan Day

  
  

  

  
  

  Remembering the courage and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during WWII.

  
  

• 1969 – Emilio Aguinaldo Centennial

  
  

  

  
  

  Marking the 100th birth anniversary of the first Philippine President.

• 1970 – Papal Visit of Pope Paul VI

  
  

  

  
  

  Issued in both silver and pure nickel versions to commemorate the historic visit.

These coins offer not just collectible value, but also a tangible tribute to Philippine identity and history.

Collector's Insight: Value and Rarity

Today, the 1961 to 1970 silver commemorative coins are sought after by collectors. Prices typically range from ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 and above, depending on the coin’s condition and current demand.

If you’re hunting for older silver pesos, don’t miss these:

• 1897 UN Peso – See: Spanish Philippine 1897 UN Peso Coin

• Commonwealth Commemoratives – See: Philippine Commemorative Coins - Commonwealth.

A Curious Case: Melted Coins in the U.S.

According to the book "Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines" by Aldo P. Basso, a U.S. dealer purchased 70,000 sets of the 1961 commemorative coins—and melted 42,000 half pesos and 32,000 One Peso coins!

Why?!?!It’s a numismatic mystery, and a painful loss to history-loving collectors.

Final Thoughts: What's in Your Silver Peso Collection?

Do you collect these commemorative silver pesos of the Philippines? Have a favorite among the historical figures or events commemorated? These coins may not jingle in our pockets, but they continue to echo through our history—one silver peso at a time.

Further reading:

• Exploring Philippine Currency

Editors Note: This post was originally published August 31, 2023 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.