Rare Filipino Coins and Their Surprising Monetary Value

Have you found an old coin somewhere and found yourself fascinated by it that you have tickled your urge to collect old coins? Well, this might not be just a hobby after all ;-)

Coins are more than just pocket change — they are silent witnesses to history. In the Philippines, certain rare coins have become highly sought-after treasures among collectors and numismatists (coin enthusiasts). These coins not only represent significant chapters of the nation’s past but also carry remarkable monetary value today.

Remember that these monetary values are rated as of this writing, last quarter of 2025 ;-)

1. The 1971 One Peso Coin – The “Magsaysay Error Coin”

One of the most famous rare coins in the Philippines is the 1971 One Peso coin featuring President Ramon Magsaysay. What makes it special is the error in minting — some versions were struck with “PILIPINO” instead of “PILIPINAS”, and others had misaligned edges or double strikes.

💰 Current estimated value: ₱1,000 to ₱10,000, depending on condition and rarity of the error.

 

2. The 1983 10 Sentimo Coin – Small but Precious

Although it looks ordinary, the 1983 10 Sentimo coin made from aluminum bronze has become rare because it was only produced for a short period. Many were withdrawn or melted down over time.

💰 Estimated value: ₱200 to ₱800 for well-preserved pieces.

 

3. The 1974 25 Sentimo Coin

This coin is a collector’s favorite because only a few were minted during that year. It features Francisco Baltazar (Balagtas) and was part of the Ang Bagong Lipunan coin series under Ferdinand Marcos.

💰 Estimated value: ₱500 to ₱1,500.

 

4. The 1906 One Peso Coin – American Colonial Era

This coin is often regarded as the “Holy Grail” of Philippine coin collecting. Minted during the American colonial period, the 1906 One Peso coin is rare due to its low production and high silver content (90%).

💰 Estimated value: Ranges from ₱20,000 to ₱200,000 or more, depending on its condition and authenticity.

 

5. The 1944–1945 “Guerrilla Notes and Coins”

During World War II, emergency money was issued by local governments and guerrilla forces. While many were paper notes, a few emergency coins were made from re-purposed metal. Authentic pieces are incredibly rare and valuable.

💰 Estimated value: ₱10,000 and above for verified originals.

 

6. The 1995 One Peso Coin (Error Variety)

A few 1995 One Peso coins were accidentally minted with different sizes and edge patterns, making them stand out from the regular BSP-issued ones.

💰 Estimated value: ₱500 to ₱2,000 depending on rarity and condition.

 

Why Are These Coins Valuable?

The value of rare coins depends on several factors:

Mintage: The fewer coins produced, the higher the value.

Condition: Coins in “uncirculated” or “mint” condition fetch the best prices.

Historical Significance: Coins from special eras (e.g., pre-independence, wartime, or early Republic) are more collectible.

Minting Errors: Mistakes during production can dramatically increase a coin’s rarity and worth.

 

Final Thoughts

Rare Filipino coins serve as tangible links to the nation’s colorful history. For collectors, finding one isn’t just about the money — it’s about holding a piece of the past. Whether hidden in an old drawer or passed down from family, that tiny piece of metal could be worth far more than its face value.

Cheerio!