As mentioned in the History of Philippine Money page, the pre-colonial period remains a largely enigmatic chapter in Philippine history due to the limited availability of written records. During this time, barter was the most common method of exchange, where goods and services were traded directly. The mode of payment varied widely and depended on what was valuable to the recipient. Items such as crafted products, agricultural produce, precious metals like gold, and even gemstones were commonly exchanged in these transactions.

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In Philippine numismatics, one of the most commonly referenced pre-colonial currencies is the piloncitos, small, spherical gold beads with inscriptions that is considered the first recognized form of currency in the Philippines. Another notable pre-colonial medium of exchange is the gold barter rings, which were both ornamental and functional in trade. These forms of currency are also highlighted in the History of Philippine Money published by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), underscoring their importance in early Philippine economic history.

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In your numismatic journey, it is rare to encounter or acquire known pre-colonial currencies like the piloncitos or gold barter rings unless you have access to specialized collections or the resources to secure them. These artifacts are highly sought after by collectors and historians alike, often commanding a premium due to their historical and cultural significance. For example, in an online auction curated by Minted Manila and Moreton Auctions in November 2024, the numismatic value of piloncitos far exceeded its intrinsic gold value.​​​​​​​​​​                                                                                       ​​

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