Philippines 1 Peso, United States administration
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1903-1912
Issuing entity
PhilippinesThe Philippines 1 peso under United States administration is a silver coin issued between 1903 and 1912 for circulation in the Philippine Islands. Introduced as part of a dedicated colonial coinage rather than an extension of domestic American currency, the denomination bore legends referencing both the Philippine Islands and the United States.
The coin's silver composition underwent a metallurgical adjustment during its period of manufacture. From 1903 to 1906, pieces were struck in an alloy of 90 percent silver and copper, but this content was lowered to 80 percent silver for coins struck after 1906. Production of these coins took place across United States mint facilities, including the Philadelphia and San Francisco mints.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Following the establishment of United States administration over the Philippines, authorities instituted a dedicated currency series to replace the prior monetary regime, formally demonetizing Spanish-Filipino pesos in 1904. The 1-peso coin served as the largest circulating silver unit among denominations spanning from the half-centavo through the peso. Minted during the islands' status as a US Territory, the issue remained in circulation until the Second World War, when defenders at Corregidor cast large quantities of silver coins into the sea to keep them out of Japanese hands. Portions of the deposited silver were subsequently salvaged, often exhibiting heavy corrosion.
Design
- Obverse
- Standing female figure at an anvil
- Reverse
- Arms of the United States with the legend naming the Philippine Islands
Identification
- Mint
- Struck at United States mints; the mint mark must be read to attribute the issue
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Obverse design: Depicts a standing female figure representing Liberty in the act of striking an anvil with a hammer. Reverse design: Features the arms of the United States Territories, showing a broad-winged eagle perched on a shield with 13 stars and 13 stripes, alongside the inscription "United States of America" and the date. Silver fineness: Coins dated from 1903 to 1906 were struck in 90 percent silver, while those dated after 1906 were reduced to an 80 percent silver composition. Mint marks: Issues were produced at United States mints such as Philadelphia and San Francisco, requiring inspection of the mint mark to identify the striking facility.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Research required
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Weight and fineness changes across the series to be transcribed from a verified catalogue
- Mint mark and year table to be transcribed
- Catalogue numbers require transcription