After the Spanish-American War, the 1898 Treaty of Paris granted the United States control over the Philippines, leading to the introduction of a new coinage system in 1903. The Philadelphia Mint began producing coins under the Centavos/Pesos monetary system, with the Peso—a large silver coin—matching the U.S. Dollar in size and weight. The Peso denomination was discontinued after 1912, but other ... Read More

After the Spanish-American War, the 1898 Treaty of Paris granted the United States control over the Philippines, leading to the introduction of a new coinage system in 1903. The Philadelphia Mint began producing coins under the Centavos/Pesos monetary system, with the Peso—a large silver coin—matching the U.S. Dollar in size and weight. The Peso denomination was discontinued after 1912, but other denominations were issued until 1936, when the Philippines became a U.S. Commonwealth. From 1937 to 1945, smaller silver coins with reduced purity were minted under U.S. authority.

Following World War II, the Philippines gained independence in 1946, and in 1947, the San Francisco Mint struck Fifty Centavos and Peso coins featuring General Douglas MacArthur, now highly sought after by collectors. U.S. Philippines coins are distinct, as they bear the names of both the United States and the Philippines (Filipinas), making them popular among collectors in both nations. These coins were produced at Philadelphia (no mintmark), San Francisco (S), Denver (D), and Manila (M). Proof sets were also struck at the Philadelphia Mint between 1903-1909 and in 1908, with mintages ranging from 2,558 in 1903 to only 471 in 1905, adding to their rarity.

Key rarities in the U.S. Philippines coin series include the 1906-S Peso and the extremely rare Proof 1907 Peso, with only two known examples. Explore the rich history of U.S. Philippines coinage and find rare collectibles at ParadimeCoins.com, your premier source for numismatic treasures.