The Alfonso coin of The Philippines: History, Types, and what it’s worth today

The term “Alfonso coin” in the Philippines usually refers to the Spanish-era coins struck with the portrait or name of King Alfonso XII (reigned 1874–1885) or his successor Alfonso XIII (born 1886; reigned nominally from birth, coins appear in the 1880s–1890s). These are colonial-issue coins minted for circulation in the Philippine Islands while they were still under Spanish sovereignty. They include copper, silver and gold denominations — centimos/centavos, 20-centimos/50-centavos, 1 peso (Un Peso) and rarer gold pieces. They’re prized by collectors today because they sit at the crossroads of Spanish, Philippine and world monetary history. 

Which Alfonso coins are most familiar?

A few types collectors encounter most often:

• Alfonso XII 10/20/50 centimos (1880s) — silver and copper fractional denominations struck in Manila and other Spanish mints. 
• Alfonso XIII 1 Peso (1897 “Un Peso”) — the last Spanish-era one-peso struck for the Philippines and an historically important piece because it was only issued in 1897 and was Spain’s final coinage for the islands. It’s a 90% silver, 37 mm coin often called the “last Spanish peso” for the Philippines. 
• Gold issues and patterns — earlier gold pieces, such as Alfonso XII 4-peso golds and certain pattern coins, are much rarer and command large premiums. 

How much are Alfonso coins worth?

There isn’t a single price — value depends heavily on year, denomination, mintmark, rarity (including patterns or proof strikes), condition/grade, and current collector demand. Still, current market data provide useful ranges:

• Alfonso XIII 1 Peso (1897) — a common reference for the type: average market prices for circulated examples typically fall in the low hundreds of US dollars, while high-grade certified examples can reach several hundred to around $700–$800 or more in auction situations depending on grade and eye appeal. Online market listings and auction results from recent years show sales in the roughly USD 200–800 range for most circulated to choice uncirculated specimens. 
• Alfonso XII fractional silver (50 centimos, 20 centimos, 10 centimos) — values vary: some circulated examples trade for modest sums (tens to low hundreds of USD), while rare dates/varieties or mint errors can fetch much more. Listings show, for instance, 50-centavo pieces priced in local marketplaces for a few thousand Philippine pesos (tens to low hundreds USD) when circulated, and higher when certified as MS (mint state). 
• Gold 4 Pesos and pattern issues — these are specialty items. A gold Alfonso XII 4-peso can be worth many times its melt value because of rarity and collector interest; past auction lots and dealer catalogs place such pieces well into the hundreds or low thousands of USD, depending on condition and gold content (and sometimes far higher for exceptional rarity). 

For a practical baseline: expect ordinary circulated Alfonso silver coins to sell in the tens to low hundreds of USD, while high-grade, proof, pattern or gold pieces can rise into the high hundreds or thousands. Local online classifieds (e.g., Philippine Carousell listings) often show prices in PHP from a few hundred to several thousand depending on condition and scarcity, which aligns with international auction data. 

What affects value most?

Grade/condition — cleaned, heavily worn, or damaged coins lose value; crisp, original surfaces graded by NGC/PCGS command premiums. 

Rarity and year — some dates were minted in small numbers or are known only in proof/pattern form; those are worth far more. The 1897 Un Peso’s single-year status makes it special. 

Metal content — silver and gold intrinsic value set a floor for prices, but collector premiums usually matter more. 

Authentication and provenance — certified coins (NGC/PCGS) and pieces with documented provenance sell better and with less price uncertainty.

Practical tips for buyers and sellers

Get coins graded if you plan to sell high-value items: major grading services give confidence to buyers and typically increase realized prices. 

Compare markets: check international auction houses, numismatic marketplaces (Numista, CoinStrail), and local classifieds (Carousell, eBay) to triangulate value. Recent auctions provide the most reliable “true” sale prices. 

Beware of cleaning and altered surfaces — a cleaned Alfonso coin can lose significant collector value even if the metal content remains the same. 

Bottom line

“Alfonso coins” from the Philippines are historically important and collectible. Common circulated silver examples are typically worth from several hundred down into the tens of US dollars depending on type and condition, while high-grade, rare-date, pattern, or gold examples can fetch several hundred to thousands of US dollars at auction or through specialist dealers. For a precise market value of a specific coin, you should identify denomination, date, mint mark and condition, then check recent auction results and certified sales for comparable pieces. Useful reference sites include CoinStrail and Numista for catalogs and price guides, auction houses for realized prices, and local marketplaces for spot checking.

Cheerio!