Spanish Philippine Coins
For more than 300 years of Spanish colonization of the Philippines, there was an influx of gold and silver coins flowing through the Philippines, especially during the days of the Galleon Trade. However, these coins were not minted in the Philippines. These coins came from other Spanish colonies and countries trading with the Philippines.
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We can consider that the highlight of the Spanish Philippine coins started after the construction of Real Casa de la Moneda y Timbre de Manila. With the establishment of the first known Philippine mint, the mint began minting gold and silver coins of the Philippines from 1861 to 1898 with the exception of Alfonsinos 1C, 2C, and 1P which were minted in Spain.
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What's unique about the gold Isabelinas and the alfonsinos is that they contain the name of the Philippines.
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The Charles and Johanna Coinage represents one of the most iconic series of Spanish colonial currency, struck during the joint reign of Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor) and his mother, Queen Johanna. This coinage marked the beginning of official minting in the New World.
The 1572–1773 Cob Coinage represents a significant era in Spanish colonial minting, where practicality and efficiency dominated production due to the expanding Spanish Empire's demand for currency. These coins were hand-hammered from silver and gold ingots, resulting in their distinctive crude appearance and irregular shapes.
The Spanish-Philippine coins from 1861 to 1897 represent a pivotal era in the monetary history of the Philippines, marked by the establishment of the Manila Mint and the introduction of locally-produced coins under Spanish rule. This period reflects a blend of colonial authority and local adaptation, as these coins became a cornerstone of the Philippine economy during the latter part of the Spanish occupation.
The 10 centavos silver coins minted under Spanish rule between 1864 and 1885 are small yet significant pieces of Philippine numismatic history. Produced during the reigns of Queen Isabella II and King Alfonso XII, these coins highlight the transition of power and design evolution within the Spanish-Philippine colonial framework.
The Spanish-Philippine 20 centavos silver coins, minted from 1865 to 1885, were an essential part of the Philippine monetary system during the later years of Spanish colonial rule. These coins were used in everyday transactions across the islands and were integral to the economic structure of the colony.
The Spanish-Philippine 50 centavos silver coins, minted between 1865 and 1898, were a key feature of the Philippines' colonial monetary system, providing a practical medium for large transactions. These coins are cherished by collectors not only for their historical significance but also for their aesthetic and technical craftsmanship.
During Queen Isabella II’s reign (1833–1868), Isabela Province was established in 1856, named in her honor to enhance governance and missionary efforts in northern Luzon. The 1863 Education Decree created the first public school system, while the El Banco Español-Filipino de Isabel II, founded in 1851, issued the Philippines’ first paper currency and laid the foundation for modern banking​.
King Alfonso XII’s reign (1874–1885) contributed significantly to the Philippines through his royal decrees and policies. Notably, in 1875, he ordered the planning of a railway system for Luzon, which led to the completion of the Manila-Dagupan railway in 1892, revolutionizing transportation in the region. Additionally, his era supported liberal reforms in Spain, indirectly influencing the Philippines by encouraging advancements in public education and economic institutions​.
The Alfonso XIII Un Peso (1P) coin minted in 1897 represent the final phase of Spanish coinage in the Philippines during the reign of King Alfonso XIII. Alfonso XIII ascended to the Spanish throne as a child in 1886, and his reign, although brief, coincided with significant political and economic changes in both Spain and its colonies.