Counterstamped and Countermark coins of the Philippines represent a legacy of adaptation and history, reflecting the country’s resilience during a time of economic and political challenges. Counterstamping and countermarking is the process of marking an already minted coin with an additional impression or stamp. This practice is often carried out for various economic, political, or practical purposes, such as authenticating foreign coins, revaluing currency, or adapting them for use in a new jurisdiction. The key difference between countermarking and counterstamping lies in the technique used—countermarking typically involves impressing a mark with a simple punch or die, while counterstamping is a more controlled process, often done using a screw press.

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In the Philippines, the counterstamping and countermarking of coins occurred between 1828 and 1839. This practice was introduced following Spain's loss of its Latin American colonies between 1810 and 1825, which also severed the Philippines’ primary source of currency. After gaining independence, the newly formed Latin American states continued minting coins, many of which featured nationalistic slogans celebrating their freedom. These coins, often referred to as "insurgent coins," eventually made their way to the Philippines through trade.

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The Spanish colonial government in the Philippines, facing a severe shortage of coins, initially allowed these foreign coins to circulate starting in 1826. However, the slogans on the coins raised concerns about the potential spread of revolutionary ideas in the colony. To address these concerns, an edict was issued requiring all such coins to be counterstamped before they could be used as legal tender which began in Oct of 1828. 

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The counterstamping served two purposes: to validate the coins for circulation in the Philippines and to obscure the slogans, ensuring they did not inspire dissent against Spanish rule. 

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​1. The Manila Counterstamped

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This counterstamped obscured the entire design on both sides of the coin. The obverse was stamped with the word “Manila” and the year of stamping beneath it, surrounded by a wide serrated border. The reverse featured a narrower serrated border with the inscription “HABILITADO POR EL REY N.S.D. FERN. VII” and the Spanish coat of arms in the center.

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The process was delicate and introduced challenges. Coins had to be handled carefully, often leaving the original inscriptions partially visible. Additionally, the screw press machine frequently broke down, making the procedure costly and sporadic. As a result, Manila counterstamping was only done in 1828, 1829, and 1830.

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