Philippine Coins Value Guide: Old Coins, Peso Coins & U.S.

Overview of Philippine Currency

Historically, Philippine coinage is similar to Australian dollar coins (and other denominations, for that matter). Philippine money coins went through periods of indigenous trade, foreign colonization, until they finally became independent with their own money.

After independence, the Republic of the Philippines issued its own bits under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). Philippine peso coins have been the country’s staple since then.

The newest change came in 2017, when the country entered a New Generation, aimed at representing the national identity better.

These denominations are used today:

Type

Denomination

Material

Coins

₱0.01 (1 Sentimo)

₱0.05 (5 Sentimo)

₱0.25 (25 Sentimo)

₱1

₱5

₱10

₱20

Copper-plated steel (all except ₱20)

Bi-metallic: nickel-plated steel centre with a bronze-plated ring (only ₱20)

Banknotes

₱20

₱50

₱100

₱200

₱500

₱1,000

Paper (transitioning to polymer)

Old Philippine Coins Value

Old coins are always valuable, no matter the country. The Philippines' old coins price list ranges drastically. The condition and age play a big part in the final values. As for the age, we have three main categories:

U.S. Philippines silver coins (1903–1945): There was a time when the U.S. took administration of the country. Early issues (especially 1903–1906) were struck in silver, making them valuable for collectors and bullion investors. A 1906-S Peso is especially popular from that period. Most are worth $170+.
Commonwealth and pre-independence bits: Pieces from the 1930s and early 1940s were minted in lower quantities due to the war hardships. Scarcer bits are more valuable. Most are worth $100+
Old Filipino Republic bits: Early post-independence pieces (1946–1960s) are also in favor. Collectors like the “beginning” issues for a clean collection. Plus, many bits from that era were transitional. Most are worth $50+.

Valuable Philippine Coins to Look For

Certain Philippine bits stand out. We already know which periods are the most valuable. Now we will observe the best sellers:

1906-S Peso: This bit is the “Holy Grail” of sorts among the Philippine bits. It was the last “big” silver issue. In 2007, the government switched to a smaller size as silver became too expensive. One 1906-S Peso in Mint State was sold for over $5,000.

Error Varieties: A major rarity in the series. Coins with errors, especially well-preserved, could be worth thousands of dollars. The Philippines' coinage has similar errors to the U.S., off-center strikes, double strikes, and struck-through errors.

Condition plays a crucial role for any coin. Even if it is not rare or old, a bit in excellent condition will often be worth more than its face value.

“Why is the 1906-S Peso so rare and thus counterfeited? At that time, all 1906-S Pesos became more expensive than face value due to the rapidly rising price of silver…”
— Numista
Official Website

Price Lists and Market Trends

The Philippine coins value fluctuates. The economy today is global, and every little change has an impact, especially on bullion coins. Overall, we can see these General Price Trends.

Silver-based bits follow international bullion prices (based on the silver spot price). In the long term, their value is rising.
Scarce dates and old bits are slowly rising in value, as they're becoming even older and harder to preserve.
High-grade bits are rising in value, but very slowly.
Common circulating bits remain at their face value.

Conclusion

The Philippines' coinage might not be the most famous in the world, but it is rapidly developing.

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