Ben writes: My Grandpa has a gold coin from the Philippines, dated 1868 with a picture of Queen Isabel on the front. On the back around the picture the coin says “ISABEL 2 ^ POR LA G. De DIOS Y LA CONSK”. The back along the top reads “REINA DE LAS ESPNAS”, the bottom read “FILIPINAS” and the middle of the back has the Spanish seal with a 4 on one side and a p on the other side. He was curios on whether it was a common or special coin and about how much it would be worth. Thank you for your help
The Philippines were under Spanish Rule until the Spanish American War of 1898 when the Philippines as well as Cuba and Puerto Rico were ceded to the United States.
The portrait is of Queen Isabel II of Spain and the Legends say ISABEL 2d POR LA G. DE DIOS Y LA CONST. (Isabel II by the Grace of G-d and the Constitution). The legend continues on the reverse: REINA DE LAS ESPAĂ‘AS (Literally, Queen of Spain’s possessions), below FILIPINAS. The denomination is at the left and right of the shield.
1, 2 and 4 Pesos Philippine gold coins were minted with this date and were restruck with this date every year from 1868-1873. The 4 Pesos that your Grandpa has contains .1903 troy ounces of pure gold, slightly less than a 1/5 of a troy ounce. Collector value beyond the gold content depends very much on the condition (grade) of the coin. Value range: gold value to about $400.
