During the American colonial period in the Philippines, several series of coins were issued by the colonial government to serve as legal tender. These coins reflected the influence of American design and often featured iconic symbols and figures. Here are some notable examples of coins from the Philippines American colonial period:
United States Administration Issues (1903-1906):
Silver coins were issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, as well as 1 peso.
These coins featured the profile of a Filipino native on the obverse and the coat of arms of the United States on the reverse.
United States Administration Issues (1907-1945):
Starting in 1907, a new series of coins was introduced, featuring the bust of Liberty on the obverse and various Philippine motifs on the reverse.
These coins included denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavos, as well as 1, 2, 5, and 10 pesos.
The designs of these coins were influenced by American coinage of the time.
Commemorative Issues:
In addition to regular circulation coins, there were also commemorative coins issued during this period to mark significant events or anniversaries. For example, in 1936, a commemorative silver peso coin was issued to celebrate the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
Emergency Issues:
During World War II, when the Philippines was occupied by Japan, emergency coins were issued by the Philippine government in exile, known as the Commonwealth issues. These coins were minted in the United States and were used as currency in the Philippines during the war years.
These coins are now sought after by collectors for their historical significance and numismatic value. They serve as tangible artifacts of the Philippines' colonial past under American rule.