L.S. writes: I have recently acquired a three piece set of 1936 Philippine Commemoratives (coins). They are sealed in a plastic case with screws (professionally).
#1. front: “Commonwealth of The Philipine” dated over the heads of two men “Nov.15, 1935” and “One Peso” underneath. Back: “United States of America” dated “1936” under the seal of the Philipines and the designers inital “M” near the left rim.
#2. front: two men facing one another with the date of “Nov. 15, 1935” between the chest and “Fifty Centavos” under the men. Back: same as the #1 peso.
#3. front: The only difference in the second “One Peso” is that the date is behind the two mens head and the second man (can only see his profile) is different and the front man is the same. I would judge these coins as either being at least “uncirculated” or at most “mint”. Can you please give me some kind of information and value. I would appreciate any help in this matter. Thank you, LS
The Philippines became a United States possession as part of the settlement of the Spanish-American War of 1898. Your three coins are a commemorative of the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth, one step on the way to independence.
The Japanese occupied the Philippine island for most of World War II. The United States offered the Philippines independence after the Japanese were forced to withdraw. The Philippines became an independent nation in 1946. (See: U. S. Coinage for the Philippines)
- One Peso, 20 grams, 90% silver (.5787 ounce troy). “Establishment of the Commonwealth” dated 1936. Manila Mint (M). Conjoined busts of Presidents Roosevelt and President Quezon. Approximate value in mint state: $100.
- One Peso, 20 grams , 90% silver (.5787 ounce troy). “Establishment of the Commonwealth” dated 1936. Manila Mint (M). Conjoined busts of Governor General Murphy and President Quezon. Approximate value in mint state: $100.
- 50 Centavos 75% silver (.2411 ounce troy). Establishment of the Commonwealth dated 1936. Manila (M) Mint. Facing heads of Murphy and Quezon. Approximate Value in mint State: $70.