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JAA

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Journal Entries posted by JAA

  1. JAA
    Earlier this week I had an opportunity to pick up a number of interesting Republic of the Philippines Mint Error coins in Heritage Auctions Weekly On Line World Coin Auction.  The most interesting of the group is a 1964 5 Centavos with an Elliptical Clip Mint Error.  The Elliptical Clip gives the Planchet a distinctive "Football shape". This is the first time that I have seen this type of Mint Error in a Philippine coin. The coin is graded ANACS MS62. I will need to send it to NGC with my next batch of submissions so that I can add it to my Philippine Mint Errors Custom Registry Set. https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=27874


      
  2. JAA
    I received an email from the U.S. Mint yesterday announcing that their 2015 High Relief 24K Gold Coin will be available for sale on July 30, 2015, at 12 noon (ET).
    From the description and pictures posted by the mint it looks like this coin will be quite attractive. I wonder if NGC will design a special label for this coin and/or offer a distinctive pedigree for specimens submitted for grading at the ANA World's Fair of Money.
    DESCRIPTION
    The United States Mint fulfilled renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens' original vision of an ultra high relief double eagle gold coin with the release of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin, closing one era of classic American coin design and ushering in a new one.
    The 2015 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is the latest in that new era, a piece that renders contemporary designs using the latest in modern digital and manufacturing technology.
    United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist Justin Kunz has created a modern depiction of Liberty for the obverse (heads side), evoking the ideals of liberty, courage and hope. Artistic Infusion Program artist Paul Balan's reverse (tails) design depicts an American eagle rising in flight, gripping a branch in its talons as an embodiment of freedom.
    The 2015 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin represents our proud numismatic heritage and glimmering future at their very best.
    Containing one troy ounce of .9999 fine 24--karat gold, these lustrous high relief coins are among the world's purest gold coins. Each is encapsulated and presented in a black velvet presentation case and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. It will be a treasured addition to any collection.
    Item Number: UH8
    Mintage Limit: 50,000
    Product Limit: None
    Household Order Limit: None
    SPECIFICATIONS
    Denomination: $100
    Composition: 99.99% Gold
    Content: .999 Fine Gold (31.1035 grams)
    Weight: 1.0000 troy ounce (31.108 grams)
    Diameter: 1.205 inches (30.61 mm)
    Edge: Reeded
    Mint and Mint Mark: West point - W

  3. JAA
    Thanks CaptBrian1 for your recent Journal on "Understanding Toned Coins". To continue the thread that you started I would like to emphasize that spectacular toning is not limited to Silver coins. Bronze and Copper coins can also develop spectacular toning.
    While both NGC and PCGS give preference in their Registries for Bronze coins with the coveted Red (RD) designation I have seen many beautifully toned Red Brown (RB) coins with eye appeal that blows away full Red specimens of the same grade. If you doubt this just peruse the Toned Coin section of the NGC Custom Registry Sets.
    I have several examples of beautifully toned Bronze U.S. Philippine Proof coins in my Registry Sets. Two excellent examples are found in my U.S. Philippines Half Centavo Registry Set. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=77008&Ranking=all The 1904 Half Centavo (PCGS PR66RB) has an attractive Deep Cherry obverse and Hunter Orange reverse. The 1908 Half Centavo (PCGS PR67RB) has gorgeous Rainbow Toning on both obverse and reverse.
    Another attractively toned Bronze Proof my 1903 U.S. Philippines Half Centavo (PCGS PR65) Ex. Dr. Greg Pineda is pictured below.

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  4. JAA
    February 22 and 23 was the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the United States Manila Mint during the largest and most destructive urban battle fought by U.S. troops during the Second World War.
    In recognition of the important role the Manila Mint played in our nation's numismatic heritage I am posting a series of four journal articles on this often forgotten mint.
    My first Journal article http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16394 covered the establishment of the Mint and the Mint's historical context. The second article in this series http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16397 covered the coins and medals of the Manila Mint. Yesterday's Journal article http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16401 covered the battle of Manila and the destruction of the Mint during the fierce fighting that took place in and around the Mint on 2/22/1945 and 2/23/1945.
    Today's Journal article will chronicle the final allied assault on the Japanese stronghold in the Mint and will present the bibliography of my research on the Manila Mint.
    The final allied attack on the Intramuros, an amphibious assault by the 3rd Battalion, 129th Regiment, across the Pasig River, past the government mint, and through the gap in the walls of the Intramuros was scheduled for February 23, 1945. In order to prevent heavy allied casualties during the infantry assault it was necessary for U.S. artillery to knock out the Japanese strongholds in and around the mint building. Two massive artillery preparations were used to neutralize the Japanese strong point in the government mint.
    On February 22, 1945 Sixth Army's massive 240-mm. (9.4 inch) "Black Dragon" howitzers unleashed their fury on the government Mint and the forty foot thick walls of the Intramuros.
    On February 23, 1945 a second even more devastating artillery preparation was conducted. " The number of artillery pieces used in support of the assault on Intramuros exceeded 140...Also in support, and interspersed among the big guns, were 105mm self-propelled howitzers, tank destroyers and medium tanks...At 7:30 a.m. on February 23 (1945) the order Fire! was given. The corps and divisional artillery, tanks, tank destroyers, mortars and machine-guns...belched out volley after volley in what has been described as the most coordinated and devastating (artillery) preparation of the entire Luzon operation...The missions of the direct-fire weapons were oriented around the Government Mint." (Connaughton, 1995, p 164-166)
    In the fierce fighting to liberate Manila from the Japanese much of the city, including the grand old Manila Mint, was destroyed.
    "The Battle for Manila occupies a unique place in the history of the Pacific War. It was the only occasion on which American and Japanese forces fought each other in a city and it was the largest battle of its kind yet fought by either the American or Japanese armies. The destruction of Manila was on the same scale as the destruction of Warsaw...and smaller only than the battles of Berlin...and Stalingrad." (Connaughton, 1995, p 15).
    It is perhaps fitting that the U.S. Manila Mint, which was born out of America's "Nation Building" in the Philippines, should be destroyed in the fiery cauldron of the liberation of the Philippines.
    On July 4, 1946, just sixteen months after the Battle of Manila the Philippines became an independent republic, ending a historic and colorful chapter in U.S. history and numismatics. U.S. issued coins remained in use in the Philippines until the mid 60's.
     
    *****************************************************************
    BIBLIOGRAPHY
    Allen, Lyman L., U.S./Philippine Coins 6th Edition 2008-2009. Lyman Allen Rare Coins, Virginia City, NV, 2008.
    Connaughton, Richard, John Pimlott and Duncan Anderson, The Battle For Manila. Presidio Press, Inc., Novato, CA, 1995.
    Japanese Defense of Cities as Exemplified by The Battle for Manila, A Report by XIV Corps (HQ Sixth Army), July 1 1945.
    McFadden, Roger R., John Grost, and Dennis F.Marr, The Numismatic Aspects of Leprosy: Money, Medals, and Miscellanea, D.C. McDonald Associates, Inc, 1993
    Perez, Gilbert S, Ph.D. The Mint of the Philippine Islands, in Numismatic Notes and Monographs, No. 8. American Numismatic Society, N.Y., 1921
    Shafer, Neil. United States Territorial Coinage For The Philippine Islands, Whitman Publishing Company, Racine, Wisconsin. 1961.
    Smith, Robert Ross. United States Army in World War II. The War in the Pacific: Triumph in the Philippines, Washington DC, 1963.
    Original letters written by my father during the Luzon Campaign
    *****************************************************************
    To learn more about the U.S. Manila Mint please visit my Custom Registry Set, The United States Manila Mint, Complete at:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16164
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/awards/WinningSigSetDetail.aspx?SigSetAwardSetID=10854
    I was honored that NGC selected this set as the 2014 Most Creative Custom Registry Set. The set presents a complete fully illustrated and annotated set of the coins and medals of the United States Manila Mint as well as numismatic references, circa 1920 photographs (from the National Archives), and original color photographs taken by my father during the World War II liberation of the Philippines.
    This night time photograph of the Battle of Manila was taken by my father during the battle

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  5. JAA
    Today is the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the United States Manila Mint during the largest and most destructive urban battle fought by U.S. troops during the Second World War.
    In recognition of the important role the Manila Mint played in our nation's numismatic heritage I am posting a series of four journal articles on this often forgotten mint.
    My first Journal article http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16394 covered the establishment of the Mint and the Mint's historical context. Yesterdays Journal article http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16397 covered the coins and medals of the Manila Mint. Today's Journal article will cover the battle of Manila and the destruction of the Mint during the fierce fighting that took place in and around the Mint on 2/22/1945 and 2/23/1945. Tomorrow's Journal article will chronicle the final allied assault on the Japanese stronghold in the Mint and will present the bibliography of my research on the Manila Mint.
    During WWII Manila was occupied by the Japanese from January 2, 1942 until March 1945. On January 9, 1944 U.S. forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur landed at Lingayen Gulf on the Island of Luzon and proceeded to fight their way south to liberate Manila. As the forces of liberation neared Manila the Japanese general in command of the Philippines ordered all of his forces to withdraw from the city. Unfortunately the commander of the Japanese Naval Defense Force in Manila disobeyed his orders and fortified the city.
    The key to the cities defenses was the Intramuros, an ancient walled fortress built by the Spanish, and the strongly-built public buildings constructed by the Spanish and American administrations.
    " a defensive plan centered on the inner stronghold of the ancient walled city of Intramuros. Beyond the walls was a semicircle of public buildings prepared for defense to the last man. Streets and structures were mined, and each building was adequately victualled to be self-sufficient. Intermixed with and beyond the public buildings was a cats cradle of mutually supporting antitank, machine-gun and rifle fire covering existing obstacles." (Connaughton, 1995, p. 108)
    The Mint of the Philippine Islands was located in the Intendencia Building which was constructed by the Spanish in 1876 to earthquake-proof specifications. This made the mint building extremely strong and a natural fortress for the Japanese garrison of Manila which deployed strong defenses in and around the mint building. The mints location on the south bank of the Pasig River was only yards away from the only gap in the forty foot wide, 20-feet-high stone-block walls of the ancient walled fortress of the Intramuros.
    "The great wall ended at the Intendencia building, or Government Mint, so that a gap like an open door led through into the enclosed city." (Connaugton, 1995, p. 163)
    This placed the mint building directly on the Allied main axis of attack during the month long (February 3, 1945 - March 3, 1945) Battle of Manila.
    The final allied attack on the Intramuros was an amphibious assault(on 2/23/1945), by the 3rd Battalion, 129th Regiment, across the Pasig River, past the government mint, and through the gap in the walls of the Intramuros. In order to prevent heavy allied casualties during the attack, it was necessary for U.S. artillery to knock out the Japanese strongholds in and around the mint building.
    The important task of neutralizing the Japanese strong point in the government mint was assigned to the biggest and most powerful field guns in the allied arsenal the 240-mm. (9.4 inch) "Black Dragon" howitzers. The "Black Dragon" fired a massive 360 pound artillery shell which was incredibly effective against fortifications. On the morning of February 22, 1945 "the 240-mm. howitzers of Battery C, 544 Field Artillery, began bombardment to breach the north wall (of Intramuros) and knock out a Japanese strong point at the government mint." (Smith, 1963, p295)
    To learn more about the U.S. Manila Mint please visit my Custom Registry Set, The United States Manila Mint, Complete at:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16164
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/awards/WinningSigSetDetail.aspx?SigSetAwardSetID=10854
    I was honored that NGC selected this set as the 2014 Most Creative Custom Registry Set. The set presents a complete fully illustrated and annotated set of the coins and medals of the United States Manila Mint as well as numismatic references, circa 1920 photographs (from the National Archives), and original color photographs taken by my father during the World War ll liberation of the Philippines.
    Photo: World War II photo of 240mm M1 Black Dragon howitzer and crew.

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  6. JAA
    This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the United States Manila Mint during the largest and most destructive urban battle fought by U.S. troops during the Second World War.
    In recognition of the important role the Manila Mint played in our nation's numismatic heritage I am posting a series of four journal articles on this often forgotten mint. Yesterdays Journal article http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/JournalDetail.aspx?JournalEntryID=16394 covered the establishment of the Mint and the Mint's historical context. Today's Journal article will cover the coins and medals of the Manila Mint. The final two Journals in this series (2/22/2015 and 2/23/2015) will cover the battle of Manila and the destruction of the Mint during the fierce fighting that took place in and around the Mint on 2/22/1945 and 2/23/1945.
    The mint was formally opened on Thursday morning, July 15, 1920. One of the first items struck at the newly opened Manila Mint was a special medal to commemorate the opening of the Mint. The medal struck in Bronze (2,200), Silver (3,700), and Gold (estimate mintage of 5 to 10) is commonly referred to as the So-Called Wilson Dollar. The obverse presents a well executed portrait of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. The reverse shows a representation of "Juno Moneta" (the goddess of money and minting) kneeling and watching over a nude youth who is pouring planchets (coin blanks) into a coining press. The design used is a modification of a much earlier Morgan design that was used on several of the U.S. Assay Commissions Annual Medals in the 1880s and 1890s.
    With the exception of the 1920 San Francisco One Centavo, which was produced prior to the opening of the Manila Mint, all U.S. coinage for the Philippines from 1920 through 1941 were produced at the Manila Mint. The mint had a daily output of 85,000 pieces and an annual capacity of 25,000,000 coins. Between July 1920 and December 1941 the Manila Mint produced 205.83 million regular issue U.S. Philippine business strikes.
    Not every denomination was produced every year. In fact, regular issue business strikes of two denominations, the Half Centavo (which had been withdrawn from circulation in 1906) and the silver One Peso were never produced at the Manila Mint.
    Like its contemporary, the U.S. Morgan Silver Dollar, the Silver Philippine Peso saw very limited circulation as merchants and the general public preferred the convenience of paper money to carrying pockets full of large heavy coins. Almost all One Peso coins were held in reserve in the Philippine Treasury as backing for the paper money issued by the Territory of the Philippines, and, after November 15, 1935, The Commonwealth of the Philippines. Since an adequate supply of Silver Pesos had been struck for this purpose at the San Francisco Mint between 1907 and 1912 there was no need for the Manila Mint to produce additional regular issue One Peso coins. The only One Peso coins struck at the Manila Mint were the two 1936 Commemorative Pesos, and special One Peso Leper coins produced for the Philippine Health Service.
    The regular issue denominations produced at the Manila Mint were the One Centavo, Five Centavos, Ten Centavos, Twenty Centavos, and Fifty Centavos.
    By far, the most numerous coin produced by the Manila Mint was the One Centavo. Between July 1920 and December 1941 the Manila Mint produced 142,317,095 regular issue One Centavo coins. More One Centavo coins were produced than all the other denominations combined. This work horse of the Philippine economy accounted for 69.14% of the regular issue coins produced by the Manila Mint.
    Mintages for the other four denominations of regular issue coins struck at the Manila Mint and their percentages of the Manila Mints 1920 -- 1941 production are as follows:
    Five Centavos: 32,242,041 coins (15.66%)
    Ten Centavos: 16,413,038 coins (7.98%)
    Twenty Centavos: 12,123,046 coins (5.89%)
    Fifty Centavos: 2,736,763 coins (1.33%)
    "The Manila mint did not use a mint-mark on its coinage of 1920, 1921, and 1922. No Philippine coins were struck anywhere during 1923 or 1924. The Manila mint re-opened in 1925; from then through 1941, all U.S.- Philippine regular and commemorative issue were struck there and all bore the mint-mark M." (Shafer, 1961, p. 17)
    By 1935 "Nation Building" had progressed to the point where the Philippines were ready to make the important transition from a U.S. Territory to a self-governing Commonwealth. A Constitution for the Philippines was approved, and on November 15, 1935, the Philippines were granted Commonwealth status, with a promise of full independence by 1946. To commemorate this important event a three coin commemorative set was struck by the Manila mint in 1936. The set consisted of a Fifty Centavos, and two One Peso Coins. The coins were designed by Ambrosio Morales, a Professor of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. The two commemorative Pesos were struck in .800 fineness silver. The Fifty Centavos was struck in .750 fineness silver.
    The obverse of one of the Pesos features the portraits of the first President of the Philippines, Manual L. Quezon, and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The obverse of the other commemorative Peso and the commemorative Fifty Centavos features portraits of President Quezon and Frank Murphy, the last U.S. Governor General of the Philippines, and first U.S. High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
    The common reverse for the 1936 commemoratives depicts the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with United States of America placed above and the date centered below. The Mint Mark appears to the left of the date. This Commonwealth Reverse was used on all USA/Philippine business strikes from 1937 through 1945.
    In addition to providing all of the regular issue and commemorative coinage for the Philippines from 1920 - 1941 the Manila Mint was also responsible for providing Leper Colony coinage for the Philippine Health Service. Between 1920 and 1930 five issues of Leper Colony coins were struck at the Manila Mint. The 1920 issue (10 Centavos, 20 Centavos and 1 Peso) have no mint mark. The 1922 issue (20 Centavos and 1 Peso) were stamped with the encircled initials "PM" (for Philippine Mint). The 1925 (1 Peso) and 1927 (One Centavo and Five Centavos) issues have the Mint Marks "P" and "M" on the reverse to the right and left of the value. The 1930 issue (One Centavo and 10 Centavos) have no mint marks.
    Production at the Manila mint was discontinued during World War ll. 1944 and 1945 dated U.S./Philippine coins were produced at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints.
    To learn more about the U.S. Manila Mint please visit my Custom Registry Set, The United States Manila Mint, Complete at:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16164
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/awards/WinningSigSetDetail.aspx?SigSetAwardSetID=10854
    I was honored that NGC selected this set as the 2014 Most Creative Custom Registry Set. The set presents a complete fully illustrated and annotated set of the coins and medals of the United States Manila Mint as

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  7. JAA
    This weekend marks the 75th anniversary of the destruction of the United States Manila Mint during the largest and most destructive urban battle fought by U.S. troops during the Second World War.
    In recognition of the important role the Manila Mint played in our nation's numismatic heritage I am posting a series of four journal articles on this often forgotten mint. Today's Journal article (2/20/2015) covers the establishment of the Mint and the Mint's historical context. Tomorrow's Journal article (2/21/2015) will cover the coins and medals of the Manila Mint. The final two Journals in this series (2/22/2015 and 2/23/2015) will cover the battle of Manila and the destruction of the Mint during the fierce fighting that took place in and around the Mint on 2/22/1945 and 2/23/1945.
    The U.S. Manila Mint can best be understood in the historical context of America's half century of "Nation Building" in the Philippines.
    After the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898, the Philippines, along with Puerto Rico, became United States possessions. Unlike other colonial powers the U.S. always had intentions of giving the Philippine Islands full independence once the basis for good government was established.
    Although regular U.S. coins and paper money were used in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, the economy of the Philippines was too poor to use the U.S. dollar.
    In 1902 a bill was signed by President Theodore Roosevelt, authorizing a new and distinct coinage to be struck for use in the United States Territory of the Philippines.
    The bill provided that the coins should be struck at Manila if, practicable, (or in U.S. mints at a charge covering the reasonable cost of the work) and that subsidiary and minor coinage should bear devices and inscriptions expressing a dual concept - the sovereignty of the United States, and the fact that the coins were for circulation in the Philippine Islands. (Shafer, 1961)
    Despite the intent of the 1902 legislation that coins be struck at Manila, it would be nearly twenty years before this was accomplished.
    From 1903 through the first half of 1920 all United States coinage for the Philippine Islands were produced at either the San Francisco or Philadelphia mints. The San Francisco mint was the exclusive provider of U.S. Philippine business strikes from 1908 through mid 1920.
    On February 8, 1918, the Philippine legislature passed a bill appropriating 100,000 pesos for the construction of machinery for a new mint. This bill was signed by Governor-General Harrison eight days later. The machinery was designed and built in Philadelphia under the supervision of Clifford Hewitt, then chief engineer of the United States mint. In June 1919, it was assembled, tested and found satisfactory. It was then shipped to the Philippine Islands via the Panama Canal, arriving at Manila in November. Mr. Hewitt supervised the installation of the machinery and trained the Filipino employees of the mint. The mint was formally opened on Thursday morning, July 15, 1920. (Perez, 1921)
    From the time of it's opening through 1941 all of U.S. coinage for the Philippines were produced at the Manila Mint.
    The Manila Mint was the only United States Mint ever established outside the continental limits of the U.S.A.
    To learn more about the U.S. Manila Mint please visit my Custom Registry Set, The United States Manila Mint, Complete at:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=16164
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/awards/WinningSigSetDetail.aspx?SigSetAwardSetID=10854
    I was honored that NGC selected this set as the 2014 Most Creative Custom Registry Set. The set presents a complete fully illustrated and annotated set of the coins and medals of the United States Manila Mint as well as numismatic references, circa 1920 photographs (from the National Archives), and original color photographs taken by my father during the World War ll liberation of the Philippines.

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  8. JAA
    My experience with PCGS crossovers has been very different than the earlier posts on this topic. Over the past few years I have submitted many PCGS graded U.S. Philippine Proof coins to NGC for crossover and all but one have crossed at the PCGS grade or higher.
    NGC treats U.S. Philippine coins in a somewhat schizophrenic manner in that are considered U.S. Coins in the NGC Registry and the NGC Population Reports but are graded by the NGC World Coin Grading Staff.
    I am not sure why my experience is so different than the other reports. Perhaps the PCGS and NGC standards are more in line on U.S. Philippines coins than they are for World Coins.
    I know that many collectors and dealers consider PCGS to have a somewhat higher grading standard for U.S. Philippine coins than NGC. Personally I feel that the PCGS and NGC grading standards, at least for U.S. Philippine coins, are at the same level. That would seem to bear out my experience that PCGS coins that are solid for their grade have no problem in crossing over to NGC.
    The attached picture is a 1908 Twenty Centavos, NGC PF64 that was originally in a PCGS PR63 holder. The coin crossed over as NGC PF63. It was then submitted to NGC for regarding at which time the grade was upgraded to NGC PF64.

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  9. JAA
    Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation was given the opportunity to publically demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service members - past and present. Each year the president makes a proclamation, reminding Americans of the important role the U.S. Armed Forces have played in the history and development of our country. http://www.military.com/military-appreciation-month
    Armed Forces Appreciation Month has a special significance for our family. For the past twenty-two years our oldest son has served as a Combat Engineer officer in the Army Reserve. In 2003 - 2004 he commanded an Army Engineer Firefighting Detachment in Iraq. He is currently on active duty for his second war-time deployment this time to Afghanistan where he is serving as the Engineer Officer of a Security Force Assistance Advisory Team (SFAAT) http://www.afghanwarnews.info/units/sfaat.htm that is advising and mentoring the Afghan Border Police (ABP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Border_Police.
    In the attached photo my son is seen with a Talon IV Combat Engineer Route Clearance Robot http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/dangerroom/files/DS08-126-TalonIVEngineer.pdf and two examples of commonly encounter Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). As the SFAAT Team's Engineer subject matter expert my son works closely with the ABP units charged with locating and disposing of IEDs.

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  10. JAA
    Gem quality U.S. Philippine Proof Sets of any year are a challenge to assemble and the 1905 Proof Set, with its ultra low mintage of only 471 sets, is the ultimate challenge.
    U.S. Philippine Proof Sets were not sold in any sort of protective packaging or cases but were contained in plain paper envelopes and each coin was wrapped individually in thin tissue paper. This method of packaging has contributed to the micro thin hairline scratches seen on most proof coins as well as the heavy toning often seen.
    Gem quality examples are quite elusive and it has taken me years to complete this set. With the exception of the One Centavo all of the coins in the 1905 U.S. Philippines Proof Set are PROOF ONLY ISSUES.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=143085
    The final coin needed to complete my Registry Set was the 1905 Proof Peso. Only a couple of 1905 Proof Pesos in the higher grades have been offered over the internet or at major coin auctions over the past few years and all have sold for a considerable premium over book value despite being only moderately attractive.
    My newly acquired 1905 Peso is a PCGS PR64. It was purchased on ebay for slightly over book value. Although the ebay picture was of low quality the seller described the coin as having "pristine surfaces and beautiful toning". As I expected that description was slightly exaggerated (otherwise the coin would have been graded higher) but it is still a very nice coin and solid for the grade. There are no hairlines visible on either the obverse or reverse and a single contact mark on the obverse keeps it from a higher grade. The specimen has reflective surfaces and iridescent blue and gold periphery toning.
    Here is a complete list of the coins in my 1905 U. S. Philippines Proof Set:
    HALF CENTAVO: PCGS PR64 Red, (Pedigree: Louis E. Eliasberg Sr. Collection), NGC Population 0/1, PCGS Population 2/4
    ONE CENTAVO: NGC PF67RB, NGC Population 1/0 (Single Finest Certified by NGC), PCGS Population 0/0 (RB), 1/0 (RD)
    FIVE CENTAVOS: PCGS PR65, (Pedigree: Dr. Greg Pineda Philippine Collection), NGC Population 3/6, PCGS Population 7/15
    TEN CENTAVOS: NGC PF65, NGC Population 3/4, PCGS Population 11/2
    TWENTY CENTAVOS: NGC PF64, NGC Population 5/5, PCGS Population 15/22
    FIFTY CENTAVOS: NGC PF64, NGC Population 4/7, PCGS Population 14/19
    ONE PESO: PCGS PR64, NGC Population 3/6, PCGS Population 9/17
    The coin pictured is my newly acquired 1905 Peso, PCGS PR64. The white marks are dust spots on my scanner. Unfortunately my scanner did a very poor job of capturing the toning and the coin is considerably more attractive than the picture. The dark periphery toning in the picture is iridescent blue and gold. After I have the coin professionally photographed I will post more accurate images.

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  11. JAA

    Kudos Gary

    By JAA,

    I simply love the NGC Custom Registry Sets for the opportunity it gives serious collectors to share their enthusiasm and in depth knowledge of specialized niches of our hobby with the larger collecting community.
    Over the years gherrmann44 (Gary), the creator of the fabulous "Gary's Coin of the Month" Collectors Journal series, has created some of the most outstanding Custom Sets in the NGC Registry.
    All of Gary's Custom Registry Sets demonstrate outstanding photography, creativity, and meticulously researched numismatic and historical information on each specimen.
    In 2008 NGC awarded Gary's "Inspirational Ladies" Custom Registry Set the "Most Creative Custom Set" award:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=940
    As Collector's Journal regulars know Gary's most recent focus has been on his "The Use of Seated Imagery in Numismatics" Custom Registry Set. It is not surprising that NGC has honored this numismatic Tour de force with the "2013 Most Informative Custom Registry Set" award:
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=13319
     
    If you have not visited Gary's award winning Custom Registry Sets recently click on the links in this article for a real educational and numismatic treat. For the ultimate experience I recommend setting your computer to the full screen mode before taking the slide show tour of these amazing sets.
    For an additional treat visit "The Full Library of Gary's Coin of the Month Journals":
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=11573

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  12. JAA
    Since the Registry Awards started in 2003 NGC has bestowed this prestigious award on only fifty-eight Registry Sets. Coin928 is one of only eight individuals that have been recognized with this high honor on more than one occasion.
    Look at any of Coin928's Registry Sets and his enthusiasm and dedication to the hobby is readily apparent. All of his sets are fully illustrated and annotated and the photos, and coin descriptions are truly outstanding.
    Unlike some U.S. Philippine collectors who obscure their top rated sets Coin928 has taken the time to thoroughly research the coins in his registry sets and reaches out to the rest of the collecting community to share this knowledge.
    If you haven't visited Coin918's award winning Registry Sets I encourage you to do so. Here are the links:
    2012 Best Presented Set -- U.S. Philippines One Centavos: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=34793&Ranking=all
    2013 Best Presented Set -- U.S. Philippines Type Set: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=158217&Ranking=all

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  13. JAA
    COME TO THE PHILIPPINE COLLECTORS FORUM (PCF) MEETING: 1PM, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16TH IN ROOM #8 CHICAGO CONVENTION CENTER DURING ANA WORLD'S FAIR OF MONEY SHOW
    TENTATIVE AGENDA:
    1:00-1:15 Ken Seymore: Welcome to the PCF, History of the PCF, and administrative announcements
    1:15-1:45 Earl Honeycutt: "Philippine Medals & Tokens: The Path Forward"
    1:45-2:00 Neil Shafer Comments on Memphis Lyn Knight Auction of PI JIM Rarities
    2:00-2:30 Roger Urce: Santo Tomas Interment Camp during WWII
    2:30-3:00 Ken Seymore: What a Recent Combining of Grading Services Population Census Reports Reveals about U.S. Philippine Coinage. Plus Some Population/Price Comparisons with US Coin Rarities
    3:00-3:10 Break
    3:10-3:50 David T. Alexander, Numismatic Researcher, Harlan J. Berk Ltd: "Collaboration and Conflict: The 1949 Philippiine Presidential Election"
    3:50-4:00 John Riley: Philippine Short Snorters?
    4:00-4:20 Show and Tell--Bring Your Unusual or Favorite Philippine Item to Tell Us About
    4:20-5:00 Door Prize Giveaway--Many nice donations already received--bring more!!
    Come and meet your fellow Philippine and WWII collectors and see the exhibits!!

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  14. JAA
    Check out the 42 new Registry categories NGC added today for CIRCULATED COINS ONLY. Here is a link to the NGC news announcement.
    http://www.collectors-society.com/news/ViewArticle.aspx?IDArticle=3482According to the news release "Circulated Coins Only Registry Sets accept NGC-certified coins graded AU 58 and below. These sets recognize that many collectors prefer to complete sets entirely with coins that were used in commerce. The scoring system is the same as for traditional NGC Registry Sets, but Mint State coins and non-NGC coins are not accepted. Set types are listed for every major category of classic United States coins."I added my first Circulated Coins Only Set this afternoon. The set is titled "Grandma's AU Gold". http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=156802&Ranking=allThis registry set contains only one coin a 1856-S Quarter Eagle that my paternal grandmother saved from the melting pot in 1933. The coin grades NGC AU 55 and is boldly struck with only the slightest hint of wear and plenty of eye appeal.My grandmother was born in Bialystock Poland in 1896 and immigrated to this country as a teenager. She married my grandfather in 1916 and together they ran a small tailor shop. Over the years my grandparents put aside a small number of gold coins including this 1856-S Quarter Eagle.In 1933 U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102 which required all persons to turn in their gold coins, gold bullion and gold certificates to the Federal Reserve. Violation of the order was punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or up to ten years in prison or both.Although exceptions were made for gold jewelry, rare gold coins, and up to $100.00 in gold coins or bullion per person millions of dollars worth of common to scarce U.S. gold coins were melted down and sent to the United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. My grandparents being good citizens turned in all but the allowed $100.00 in gold coins. One of the coins they saved from the melting pots was this 1856-S Quarter Eagle. The coin was given to me by my grandmother in 1965. This is one of the favorite coins in my collection. As a family heirloom and gift from my grandmother this coin has an emotional value which makes it priceless. In addition to being a family heirloom this specimen has a historical and numismatic significance which makes it a "really cool" coin.As everyone knows the California Gold Rush of 1849 - 1855 was one of the defining events in American History. In order to coin the gold pouring out of the California gold fields the U.S. government established the San Francisco branch mint in 1854. Quarter Eagle production commenced at the San Francisco mint with a paltry delivery of 246 pieces in 1854. The rarity of the 1854-S and the lack of an 1855-S Quarter Eagle combine to make the 1856-S the first collectible U.S. Quarter Eagle from the San Francisco mint. Although collectible the 1856-S Quarter Eagle is a rough coin to find. The San Francisco mint produced only 71,120 Quarter Eagles in 1856 and the number of surviving specimens is far less. NGC has graded 189 specimens in all grades with the average grade being AU53. PCGS has graded only 48 specimens in all grades and estimates that this coin has a Numismatic Rarity of 7.2. This specimen is graded NGC AU55 and has an NGC population of 37 specimens with 69 specimens graded finer. The attached photos are NGC Photo Vision images of my of my 1856-S Quarter Eagle.To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  15. JAA

    Top Pop Acquisition

    By JAA,

    1904 Half Centavo MS66 RB (Combined NGC/PCGS Population 4/0).
    When congress approved a coinage system for the U.S. administered Philippine Islands the smallest denomination authorized was the bronze Half Centavo. First struck in 1903 the Half Centavo was poorly accepted by the public and it soon became apparent that this was an unneeded and unnecessary denomination. Production of Half Centavo business strikes was halted in March 1904 and most 1904 Half Centavos were never released into circulation.
    In 1908 the Half Centavo was recalled from circulation and 7.5854 million pieces of the unwanted coins (approximately 43% of the total 1903 -- 1904 mintage) was shipped to San Francisco for re-coinage into One Centavo coins.
    Despite the large number of Half Centavos that were consigned to the melting pots high grade full red Mint State examples of the 1903 Half Centavo are relatively common thanks to the large number of these coins that were put aside by collectors during the Half Centavos first year of issue.
    1904 Half Centavos are more difficult to find in Gem condition because of a lower mintage (5.654 million) and reduced collector enthusiasm for the coins in the second year.
    The combined NGC/PCGS population of Gem quality 1904 Half Centavos is relatively small, only fifty in MS65 and seven in MS66. The technically finest certified grade is MS66. Of the seven MS66 specimens three are MS66 BN and four MS66 RB. The highest grade in full Red is MS65.
    For several years now I have been looking for an attractive MS65 or MS66 example of the 1904 Half Centavo. Until recently the highest grade that I have seen offered was MS64 RB which is the most commonly seen certified grade for this date. That situation changed dramatically last month when four specimens that met my criteria were offered on Teletrade. Within a few weeks of each other Teletrade offered two MS65 RB specimens, a MS65 RD, and a MS66 RB.
    Suddenly I had a choice to make. The two MS65 RB specimens were attractive but predominately brown. I did not care for the eye appeal of the MS65 Red specimen which was definitely not full red and had more brown on it than one would expect to see on a coin with a red designation. Of the four specimens the MS66 RB was definitely the most attractive. It was also the specimen with the highest technical grade and a Top Pop coin. In the end the choice was not that difficult as the MS66 RB specimen was the hands down winner in terms of both technical grade and eye appeal. I placed a bid at the reserve price of $425.00 ($499.38 with buyer's premium) and was the successful bidder.
    When my prize arrived in the mail I was not disappointed. The coin is predominately red and has fantastic luster and exceptional eye appeal. This specimen is unquestionably one of the finest examples of the 1904 Half Centavo business strike. Unfortunately the attached picture does not do this coin justice. The scratches that you see in the image are on the holder not the coin and the coin is much redder than it appears in the picture.
    To see additional Half Centavos visit my Half Centavo Registry Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=77008&Ranking=all
    In addition to my Top Pop 1904 MS66 RB Half Centavo this Registry Set features two Top Pop Half Centavo Proofs, a 1904 PR66 RB (Combined NGC/PCGS Population 4/0) and a gorgeous rainbow toned 1908 PR67 RB (Combined NGC/PCGS Population 3/0). Other highlights of this Registry Set include a 1903 PR66 RD Half Centavo from the Dr. Greg Pineda Philippine Collection, and a 1905 PR64 RD Half Centavo from the Louis E. Eliasberg Senior Collection

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  16. JAA
    Today's Journal entry is the twenty-first installment in my weekly series on the United States coinage for the Philippine Islands. The twentieth and final slot in a NGC USA-Philippines Type Set is the 1936 Roosevelt-Quezon Peso.
    When the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898, the Philippines became a United States possession. Unlike other colonial powers the U.S. always had intentions of giving the Philippine Islands full independence once the inhabitants were given educational opportunities and the basis for good government was established.
    By 1935 "Nation Building" had progressed to the point where the Philippines were ready to make the important transition from a U.S. Territory to a self-governing Commonwealth. A Constitution for the Philippines was approved, and on November 15, 1935, the Philippines were granted Commonwealth status, with a promise of full independence by 1946.
    To commemorate this important event a three coin commemorative set was struck by the Manila mint in 1936. The set consisted of a Fifty Centavos, and two One Peso Coins. Both of the commemorative Pesos were struck in .800 fineness silver and have an ASW (Actual Silver Weight) of .5144 oz. The diameter (35mm) and weight (20.00 grams) of the 1936 Commemorative Pesos is the same as the regular issue 1907 - 1912 Peso.
    The 1936 commemorative coins were designed by Ambrosio Morales, a Professor of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Ten thousand three coin sets were produced. The three coin set had a face value of 2.5 Pesos, equal to $1.25 in U.S. Dollars, and sold for $3.13. Adjusted for inflation that price would be $51.19 in 2013 dollars (a bargain compared to todays issue prices for silver commemoratives).
    The Roosevelt-Quezon Peso is a very rare instance of a living U.S. President appearing on a coin issued by the United States. The only other example is the U.S. Sesquicentennial commemorative Half Dollar issued in 1926 on which living President Calvin Coolidge is portrayed.
    The obverse design of the Roosevelt-Quezon Peso features jugate, left facing, busts of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Philippine President Manual L. Quezon (the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines). Above the busts is the inscription "November 15, 1935" the date that the Commonwealth was established. Periphery inscriptions are "Commonwealth of the Philippines" (above) and "One Peso" (below).
    The common reverse for the 1936 commemoratives depicts the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with "United States of America" placed above and the date centered below. The "M" Mint Mark appears to the left of the date. This Commonwealth Reverse was used on all USA-Philippines business strikes from 1937 through 1945.
    Design elements of the Commonwealth Reverse incorporate the rich history of the Philippines. The eagle perched atop the shield, of course, represents the United States. The shield used was an adaptation of a design used for the official seal of The Government of the Philippine Islands which appeared on Philippine paper money starting in 1905 (Allen 2008). The three stars at the top of the shield represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. The oval in the center of the shield depicts a modification of the Coat of Arms of the City of Manila which dates to 1596. A castle surmounted by a crown is in the upper portion of the oval. The mythical creature in the lower part of the oval is a half lion and half dolphin holding a sword with guard and hilt. The lettering on the Scroll beneath the shield reads "Commonwealth of the Philippines".
    Despite the popularity of U.S. commemorative coins at the time the 1936 Commonwealth commemoratives sold poorly and many were on hand in the vaults of the Philippine treasury at the outbreak of World War ll.
    When Japan invaded the Philippines, in December 1941, it soon became apparent that the outnumbered USAFFE (United States Army Forces Far East) could not adequately defend the capital. Manila was declared an open city to spare it from destruction by the Japanese and USAFFE forces withdrew to defensive positions on the Bataan peninsula and the island fortresses in Manila Bay.
    In order to prevent the gold and silver reserves of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from being captured by the Japanese, government officials hastily crated the gold and silver in the Philippine Treasury and moved it to the relative safety of the island fortress of Corregidor.
    During the winter and early spring of 1942 U.S. submarines, outward bound on war patrols from their base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, ran the Japanese naval blockade to bring in much needed ammunition and supplies for the American and Philippine defenders. Slipping into Corregidor under cover of darkness the submarines would unload their precious supplies and fill their ballast tanks and storage spaces with the gold and silver reserves of the "Commonwealth of the Philippines". After completing their war patrols the subs would offload the gold and silver rescued from the Philippines at the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor the gold and silver was transferred to surface ships that transported it to the U.S. mainland where it was kept in safe keeping, at the San Francisco Mint, until the end of the war.
    When it became apparent that Corregidor was about to fall the remaining silver coins, including many of the ill fated 1936 commemoratives, were crated and thrown into the sea near Corregidor to avoid their seizure by the Japanese.
    Since the war many of these coins have been salvaged however these sea salvaged coins are typically heavily corroded from their long immersion in salt water. Despite their historical significance seas salvaged 1936 commemoratives are worth far less than mint state examples. Sea Salvaged Roosevelt-Quezon Pesos have an Allen catalog price of $40.00 - $65.00.
    Die Varieties: There are no known die varieties of this coin.
    Strike Issues: The 1936 Roosevelt-Quezon Peso is typically well struck.
    GEM quality Roosevelt-Quezon Pesos are scarce and very much in demand. The Allen catalog lists a price of $475.00 in MS65 and fully brilliant specimens often sell for considerably more. Mint state 64 is the most commonly seen certified grade.
    The attached picture shows my 1936-M Roosevelt-Quezon Peso, NGC MS66. The Roosevelt-Quezon Peso had a mintage of 10,000. The combined NGC/PCGS population in MS66 is 57/4.
    To see my USA-Philippines 1936 Commemorative Issues Registry Set click here: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=148016&;Ranking=all
    To see the other coins that comprise an NGC USA-Philippines Type Set visit my award winning (2011 Best Presented Set Award) USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&;Ranking=ngc
    An expanded version of the USA-Philippines Type Set is found in my Custom USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9238

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  17. JAA

    Crossovers

    By JAA,

    My Collectors Society coupon for last year's renewal has been sitting unused in a desk drawer for almost a year now. With the coupon expiration date fast approaching I figured that it was high time that I stopped procrastinating and sent in my five free submissions. After much deliberation I decided to use the coupon to cross-over five of my PCGS certified USA-Philippines coins.
    The coins that I am submitting for cross-over are:
    1) 1906 Five Centavos, PR 65 (1676 Registry Points)
    2) 1908 Fifty Centavos, PR64 (1163 Registry Points)
    3) 1917-S Twenty Centavos, MS64 (833 Registry Points)
    4) 1928-M Twenty Centavos MULE, AU55 (1490 Registry Points)
    5) 1937-M Five Centavos, MS65 (709 Registry Points)
    All of the coins are solid for their grade and should have no difficulty crossing over. The crossovers will bring some nice increases in my NGC only registry points.
    Two of the crossovers, the 1908 Fifty Centavos PR64 and 1937-M Five Centavos MS65, will be used to upgrade my prize winning (2011 Best Presented Set) USA/Philippines Type Set.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&Ranking=all
    The coin pictured is my 1908 Fifty Centavos, PR64 in its old green PCGS holder. I can't wait to see her dressed up in a new NGC Scratch-Resistant Edge View holder.

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  18. JAA
    Today's Journal entry is the twentieth installment in my weekly series on the United States coinage for the Philippine Islands. The nineteenth of the twenty slots that compose a NGC USA-Philippines Type Set is the 1936 Murphy-Quezon Peso.
    When the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898, the Philippines became a United States possession. Unlike other colonial powers the U.S. always had intentions of giving the Philippine Islands full independence once the inhabitants were given educational opportunities and the basis for good government was established.
    By 1935 "Nation Building" had progressed to the point where the Philippines were ready to make the important transition from a U.S. Territory to a self-governing Commonwealth. A Constitution for the Philippines was approved, and on November 15, 1935, the Philippines were granted Commonwealth status, with a promise of full independence by 1946.
    To commemorate this important event a three coin commemorative set was struck by the Manila mint in 1936. The set consisted of a Fifty Centavos, and two One Peso Coins. Both of the commemorative Pesos were struck in .800 fineness silver and have an ASW (Actual Silver Weight) of .5144 oz. The diameter (35mm) and weight (20.00 grams) of the 1936 Commemorative Pesos is the same as the regular issue 1907 - 1912 Peso.
    The 1936 commemorative coins were designed by Ambrosio Morales, a Professor of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Ten thousand three coin sets were produced. The three coin set had a face value of 2.5 Pesos, equal to $1.25 in U.S. Dollars, and sold for $3.13. Adjusted for inflation that price would be $51.19 in 2013 dollars (a bargain compared to the current issue prices of silver commemoratives).
    The obverse design of the Murphy-Quezon Peso features jugate, left facing, busts of Governor-General Frank Murphy, (the last U.S. Governor-General of the Philippines and first U.S. High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of the Philippines) and Philippine President Manual L. Quezon (the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines). To the right of the busts is the inscription "November 15, 1935" the date that the Commonwealth was established. Periphery inscriptions are "Commonwealth of the Philippines" (above) and "One Peso" (below).
    The common reverse for the 1936 commemoratives depicts the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with "United States of America" placed above and the date centered below. The "M" Mint Mark appears to the left of the date. This Commonwealth Reverse was used on all USA-Philippines business strikes from 1937 through 1945.
    Design elements of the Commonwealth Reverse incorporate the rich history of the Philippines. The eagle perched atop the shield, of course, represents the United States. The shield used was an adaptation of a design used for the official seal of The Government of the Philippine Islands which appeared on Philippine paper money starting in 1905 (Allen 2008). The three stars at the top of the shield represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. The oval in the center of the shield depicts a modification of the Coat of Arms of the City of Manila which dates to 1596. A castle surmounted by a crown is in the upper portion of the oval. The mythical creature in the lower part of the oval is a half lion and half dolphin holding a sword with guard and hilt. The lettering on the Scroll beneath the shield reads "Commonwealth of the Philippines".
    Despite the popularity of U.S. commemorative coins at the time the 1936 Commonwealth commemoratives sold poorly and many were on hand in the vaults of the Philippine treasury at the outbreak of World War ll.
    When Japan invaded the Philippines, in December 1941, it soon became apparent that the outnumbered USAFFE (United States Army Forces Far East) could not adequately defend the capital. Manila was declared an open city to spare it from destruction by the Japanese and USAFFE forces withdrew to defensive positions on the Bataan peninsula and the island fortresses in Manila Bay.
    In order to prevent the gold and silver reserves of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from being captured by the Japanese, government officials hastily crated the gold and silver in the Philippine Treasury and moved it to the relative safety of the island fortress of Corregidor.
    During the winter and early spring of 1942 U.S. submarines, outward bound on war patrols from their base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, ran the Japanese naval blockade to bring in much needed ammunition and supplies for the American and Philippine defenders. Slipping into Corregidor under cover of darkness the submarines would unload their precious supplies and fill their ballast tanks and storage spaces with the gold and silver reserves of the "Commonwealth of the Philippines". After completing their war patrols the subs would offload the gold and silver rescued from the Philippines at the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor. At Pearl Harbor the gold and silver was transferred to surface ships who transported it to the U.S. mainland where it was kept in safe keeping, at the San Francisco Mint, until the end of the war.
    When it became apparent that Corregidor was about to fall the remaining silver coins, including many of the ill fated 1936 commemoratives, were crated and thrown into the sea near Corregidor to avoid their seizure by the Japanese.
    Since the war many of these coins have been salvaged however these sea salvaged coins are typically heavily corroded from their long immersion in salt water. Despite their historical significance seas salvaged 1936 commemoratives are worth far less than mint state examples. Sea Salvaged Murphy-Quezon Pesos have an Allen catalog price of $40.00 - $65.00.
    Die Varieties: There are no known die varieties of this coin.
    Strike Issues: The 1936 Murphy-Quezon Peso has a number of strike issues. Die clashes are common and the reverse is not as well struck as the other 1936 commemoratives. This is most evident in the lack of detail on the half lion/half dolphin holding a sword in the center of the commonwealth seal. Another commonly seen defect is bubbles in the area of the periphery inscriptions. The bubbles were most likely caused by foreign substances, such as gas oxides or dirt, which became trapped in the planchet during the production process.
    GEM quality Murphy-Quezon Pesos are scarce and very much in demand. The Allen catalog lists a price of $475.00 in MS65 and fully brilliant specimens often sell for considerably more. Mint state 64 is the most commonly seen certified grade.
    The attached picture shows my 1936-M Murphy-Quezon Peso, NGC MS65. The Murphy-Quezon Peso had a mintage of 10,000. The combined NGC/PCGS population in MS65 is 90/37.
    At the lower left (below the picture of the obverse) is an enlargement of a portion of the obverse periphery lettering. Note the bubbles around the top of the letter T. The bubbles were most likely caused by foreign substances, such as gas oxides or dirt, which became trapped in the planchet during the production process. At the lower right (below the picture of the reverse) are comparative pictures of the center of the Commonwealth seal in Murphy-Quezon and Roosevelt-Quezon Pesos. Note the lack of detail in the half lion/half dolphin on the Murphy-Quezon Peso versus the boldly struck details in the Roosevelt-Quezon Peso.
    To see my USA-Philippines 1936 Commemorative Issues Registr

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  19. JAA
    Today's Journal entry is the nineteenth installment in my weekly series on the United States coinage for the Philippine Islands. The eighteenth of the twenty slots that compose a NGC USA-Philippines Type Set is the 1936 Murphy-Quezon Fifty Centavos.
    When the United States defeated Spain in the Spanish-American war of 1898, the Philippines became a United States possession. Unlike other colonial powers the U.S. always had intentions of giving the Philippine Islands full independence once the inhabitants were given educational opportunities and the basis for good government was established.
    By 1935 "Nation Building" had progressed to the point where the Philippines were ready to make the important transition from a U.S. Territory to a self-governing Commonwealth. A Constitution for the Philippines was approved, and on November 15, 1935, the Philippines were granted Commonwealth status, with a promise of full independence by 1946.
    To commemorate this important event a three coin commemorative set was struck by the Manila mint in 1936. The set consisted of a Fifty Centavos, and two One Peso Coins. The coins were designed by Ambrosio Morales, a Professor of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Ten thousand three coin sets were produced. An additional 10,000 Fifty Centavos were produced for individual sale.
    The 1936 commemorative Fifty Centavos was struck in .750 fineness silver and has the same size (27.5 mm), weight (10.00 grams, 154.32 grains), and silver content (ASW .2411 oz) as the regular issue 1907 -1921 Fifty Centavos.
    The obverse design of the 1936 commemorative Fifty Centavos features facing busts of the first President of the Philippines, Manual L. Quezon (facing left), and Frank Murphy, the last U.S. Governor General of the Philippines and first U.S. High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of the Philippines (facing right). Between the busts is a sun upon which is inscribed the date of the Commonwealth establishment (November 15, 1935). Periphery inscriptions are "Commonwealth of the Philippines" (above) and "Fifty Centavos" (below).
    The common reverse for the 1936 commemoratives depicts the seal of the Commonwealth of the Philippines with "United States of America" placed above and the date centered below. The Mint Mark appears to the left of the date. This Commonwealth Reverse was used on all USA/Philippine business strikes from 1937 through 1945.
    Design elements of the Commonwealth Reverse incorporate the rich history of the Philippines. The eagle perched atop the shield, of course, represents the United States. The shield used was an adaptation of a design used for the official seal of The Government of the Philippine Islands which appeared on Philippine paper money starting in 1905 (Allen 2008). The three stars at the top of the shield represent the three main geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon, Mindanao, and the Visayas. The oval in the center of the shield depicts a modification of the Coat of Arms of the City of Manila which dates to 1596. A castle surmounted by a crown is in the upper portion of the oval. The mythical creature in the lower part of the oval is a half lion and half dolphin holding a sword with guard and hilt. The lettering on the Scroll beneath the shield reads "Commonwealth of the Philippines".
    Despite the popularity of U.S. commemorative coins at the time the 1936 Commonwealth commemoratives sold poorly and many were on hand in the vaults of the Philippine treasury at the outbreak of World War ll.
    When Japan invaded the Philippines the contents of the Philippine Treasury was moved from Manila to the Island fortress of Corregidor. During the winter and early spring of 1942 U.S. submarines, outward bound on war patrols from their base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, ran the Japanese naval blockade to bring in much needed ammunition and supplies for the American and Philippine defenders. Slipping into Corregidor under cover of darkness they would unload their precious supplies and fill their ballast tanks and storage spaces with the gold and silver reserves of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. After completing their war patrols the subs offloaded the gold and silver rescued from the Philippines at Pearl Harbor. From there it was transferred to the U.S. mainland where it was kept in safe keeping until the end of the war.
    When it became apparent that Corregidor was about to fall the remaining silver coins, including many of the ill fated 1936 commemoratives, were crated and thrown into the sea near Corregidor to avoid their seizure by the Japanese.
    Since the war many of these coins have been salvaged however these sea salvaged coins are typically heavily corroded from their long immersion in salt water. Despite their historical significance seas salvaged 1936 commemoratives are worth far less than mint state examples. Sea Salvaged Murphy-Quezon Fifty Centavos have an Allen catalog price of $25.00 - $40.00.
    Die Varieties: There are no known die varieties of this coin.
    Strike Issues: The 1936 Murphy-Quezon Fifty Centavos is typically well struck on both obverse and reverse.
    GEM and Choice BU examples of the Murphy-Quezon Fifty Centavos make frequent appearances at major coin auctions and are moderately priced for such a low mintage coin. The Allen catalog lists this coin at $350.00 in MS65 and $165.00 in MS63. The most commonly seen certified grade is MS64 which has a combined NGC/PCGS population of 119. Mint State 64 is the grade most frequently seen on eBay and other internet coin auctions. There are currently two MS64 specimens listed on eBay (The "Buy it Now" prices of these coins are $235.00 and $275.00).
    The attached picture shows my 1936 Murphy-Quezon Fifty Centavos, NGC MS65. (Mintage 20,000. Combined NGC/PCGS Population 66/6)
    To see my USA-Philippines 1936 Commemorative Issues Registry Set click here: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=148016&Ranking=all
    To see the other coins that comprise an NGC USA-Philippines Type Set visit my award winning (2011 Best Presented Set Award) USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&;;Ranking=ngc
    An expanded version of the USA-Philippines Type Set is found in my Custom USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9238
    Next week's installment will feature the 1936 Murphy-Quezon One Peso.

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  20. JAA
    Modern U.S. proof coins are gorgeous creations that reflect the height of the mint makers' art. Of course that is what you would expect for specimen coins struck specifically for collectors. The High quality of Modern U.S. Proof coins is a testament to the stringent quality controls standards used in the production of modern proof coins. At the beginning of the Twentieth Century things were very different. Without a doubt the poster child for poorly made proof coins is the 1908 USA/Philippines Fifty Centavos.
    Most Philippine experts believe that the 1908 Fifty Centavos proof issue was struck from defective, probably rusted, dies. All 1908 Fifty Centavos proof coins display considerably flat frontal hair just above the ear and most specimens have dull non reflective fields. This lack of detail is not seen in other denominations of 1908 USA/Philippines proof coins which are generally well struck.
    Even specimens with the highest technical grades (The NGC/PCGS Top Pop is PF66) lack detail in the hair just above the ear and may have poor eye appeal. This makes it extremely challenging to find an attractive high grade specimen.
    Until recently the example of this coin that I used in both my USA/Philippines Type Set and 1908 Proof Set was a NGC certified PF62 with nice eye appeal for the grade. For several years now I have been searching for a nice looking example of this coin with a higher technical grade. I have looked at several PF64 and PF65 specimens and to put it charitably I have not been impressed by what I have seen. To put it more bluntly the coins have been just plain UGLY.
    I had just about given up hope that I would find a specimen with a higher technical and at least average eye appeal when I spotted a 1908 PR64 specimen in Teletrade Auction number 3407 (Sunday 12/30/2012) Lot # 3776. While the picture did not portray an especially attractive coin it had better than average hair detail for the date and the best eye appeal that I have seen so far on a 1908 Fifty Centavos proof in this grade.
    The Allen catalog lists the 1908 Fifty Centavos in PF64 at $575.00. In the real world the FMV for PF64 specimens of this date is considerably higher. Dealers that specialize in USA/Philippines coins typically list PF64 specimens at $800.00 - $880.00.
    To my surprise I was able to purchase this coin for a hammer price of $450.00 ($517.50 with buyer's premium).
    When the coin arrived it was considerably more attractive than the picture suggested. The fields which appeared dull in the picture have a medium mirror surface and the specimen has decent eye appeal for the typically unattractive 1908 Fifty Centavos proof issue. Overall I am very satisfied with this coin and it will do quite nicely until I can find a better specimen.
    The only negative feature of this coin is that it is in a PCGS holder. I definitely plan to submit it to NGC for crossover and will hold off on adding it to my award winning (2011 Best Presented Set) USA/Philippines Type Set until it is in an NGC holder. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&;Ranking=all
    The coin pictured is my newly acquired 1908 Fifty Centavos, PR64.
    The 1908 Fifty Centavos is a PROOF ONLY ISSUE with a mintage of only 500. The NGC population for this coin in PF64 is 4 specimens with 18 graded higher. The PCGS population is 12/26. A 1908 Fifty Centavos in PF64 receives 1163 Registry Points.
    This coin was used to upgrade the Fifty Centavos slot in my award winning (2012 Best Classic Set) 1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=143079&;Ranking=all

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  21. JAA
    Today's Journal entry is the eighteenth installment in my weekly series on the United States coinage for the Philippine Islands. The seventeenth of the twenty slots that compose a NGC USA-Philippines Type Set is the Reduced Size and Weight One Peso of 1907 - 1912.
    When the U.S. Congress established the Standards for U.S. Philippine coins in March 1903 the price of silver was at an all time low. By 1905 rising silver prices brought the bullion value of Philippine silver coins to the level where they were beginning to disappear from circulation. By November 1906 the bullion value of Philippine silver coins had risen to 13.2% over their face value. Laws prohibiting the melting and export of silver coins proved largely ineffective and something had to be done.
    On December 6, 1906 the U.S. Congress passed an Act "for the purpose of preventing the melting and exportation of the silver coins of the Philippine Islands as a result of the high price of silver". The Act reduced the weight and fineness of the four denominations of USA/Philippine silver coins. It also granted authority to recall all USA-Philippine silver coins from banks and circulation and ship them back to the United States for re-coining into pieces of lesser fineness.
    Under the new standards the silver One Peso coin was reduced from 26.95 Grams (416 grains), of .900 fineness silver (ASW .7800 oz.) to 20.00 grams (308.64 grains), of .800 fineness silver (ASW .5144 oz.). The size of the Peso was also reduced from 38 mm to 35 mm. The first year of production for the new "Reduced Size and Weight" silver coins was 1907.
    The Reduced Size and Weight One Peso uses the same obverse and reverse designs that were used on earlier Pesos. The One Peso was designed by Filipino artist Melicio Figueroa. The obverse design features a young Filipino woman standing to the right in a flowing dress while striking an anvil with a hammer held in her right hand. Her left hand is raised and holding an olive branch. In the background is a billowing volcano. The obverse carries the inscriptions "One Peso" and "Filipinas" (Spanish for Philippines). The reverse design depicts an eagle with spread wings perched atop an American shield. The reverse carries the inscription "United States of America" and the date.
    Business strikes of the Reduced Size and Weight One Peso were made at the San Francisco Mint from 1907 through 1912. Mintage figures for business strikes of the Reduced Size and Weight One Peso are as follows: 1907-S (10,278,000), 1908-S (20,954,944), 1909-S (7,578,000), 1910-S (3,153,559), 1911-S (463,000), and 1912-S (680,000).
    Since U.S. mints had to replace nearly all of the Islands silver coinage in 1907 it was not felt that there were enough resources to make 1907 Proof Sets. When Proof Set production resumed in 1908 all of the silver coins, including the 1908 One Peso, were struck in the newly authorized reduced weight and fineness. 1908 was the last year of production for Philippine Proof coins and the only year that the reduced size and weight One Peso was struck in Proof. The 1908 (P) One Peso is a PROOF ONLY ISSUE with a mintage of 500 coins.
    All business strikes of the Reduced Size and Weight One Peso were made at the San Francisco Mint and have an "S" mint mark on the reverse to the left of the date. The 1908 One Peso Proof issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint has no Mint Mark.
    Like the U.S. Silver Dollar the Philippine One Peso coin did not see wide use in daily commerce as most people preferred the convince of paper money for their larger transactions. The vast majority of 1907 - 1912 One Peso coins were stored in the vaults of the Insular Treasury as backing for Philippine paper currency.
    When Japan invaded the Philippines during World War ll it soon became apparent that the outnumbered U.S. and Philippine defenders could not adequately defend the capital. Manila was declared an open city to spare it from destruction by the Japanese and USAFFE (United States Army Forces Far East) forces withdrew to defensive positions on the Bataan peninsula and the island fortresses in Manila Bay.
    In order to prevent the gold and silver reserves of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from being captured by the Japanese, government officials hastily crated the gold and silver in the Philippine Treasury and moved it to the relative safety of the island fortress of Corregidor.
    During the siege of Corregidor U.S. submarines, outward bound on war patrol out of Pearl Harbor, would sneak through the Japanese naval blockade to bring in supplies and ammunition. After unloading their previous supplies they would take on as much gold and silver as they could cram into their storage spaces and ballast tanks. Then under cover of darkness they would break through the Japanese naval blockade and continue on their war patrols. Upon completion of their war patrols the gold and silver was off loaded at Pearl Harbor where it was transferred to surface ships for shipment to the safety of the continental United States.
    While most of the gold was successfully evacuated by submarine there was far too much silver for the subs to take out in their limited storage areas. Sixteen million Pesos (the equivalent of eight million U.S. Dollars) in silver coins could not be evacuated. In order to prevent the remaining silver coins from being captured by the Japanese they were dumped into Manila Bay. The majority of these coins were 1907 through 1912 Pesos that were being stored for use as backing for the paper money then in circulation. Since the war over 10 million Pesos have been salvaged however these sea salvaged coins are typically heavily corroded from their long immersion in salt water.
    Die Varieties: The Reduced Size and Weight One Peso has three recognized die varieties. They are: 1908-S/S (Allen number 17.03a), and 1909-S/S (Allen number 17.04a), and 1909-S/S/S (Allen number 17.04b).
    Strike Issues: "Some but not all obverses come with flattened frontal hair, and occasionally a flattened left hand. Reverses do not have clearly defined breast feathers on the eagle. Some reverses will show uneven striking." (Shafer, 1961. Page 40)
    GEM quality examples of most dates of this type coin are both rare and expensive. The least expensive dates are the 1907-S (book value $850.00 in MS65), 1908-S (book value $1,800.00 in MS65), and 1909-S (book value $1,200.00 in MS65). Choice Uncirculated examples are considerably less expensive. The 1907-S, 1908-S and 1909-S have book values of $225.00 to $250.00 in MS63.
    The attached picture shows my 1908 One Peso, NGC PF63. (Mintage 500, NGC Pop 16/20)
    To see my One Peso Registry Set click here: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=59844&;Ranking=all
    To see the other coins that comprise an NGC USA-Philippines Type Set visit my award winning (2011 Best Presented Set Award) USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&;Ranking=ngc
    An expanded version of the USA-Philippines Type Set is found in my Custom USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9238
    Next week's installment will feature t

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  22. JAA

    2012 in Review

    By JAA,

    Last January I posted a Journal delineating eleven Numismatic Goals and Objectives that I hoped to achieve in 2012. Today's Journal will review those Goals and Objectives and evaluate how successful I was in meeting them.
    In order to understand how I determined my 2012 Numismatic Goals and objectives it is important for the reader to know two important points about my personal philosophy of collecting. Point number one is that I collect US/Philippine coins and notes as part of a broader study of that historic time in US/Philippine history. The second point is that I put a high value on using my collection to share what I have learned about US/Philippine history with other collectors.
    For the past several years the main focus of my collecting has been my competitive "USA/Philippines Type Set". Last year NGC awarded this set a "2011 Best Presented Set Award".
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257
    My first three numismatic goals related to improvements that I wanted to make in my "USA/Philippines Type Set":
    1) Expand the Set Description of my "USA/Philippines Type Set" to include more detail regarding the history of this series.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    2) Upgrade the quality of the photographs of my "USA/Philippines Type Set" so that 50% of the photographs are high resolution images.
    GOAL NOT ACCOMPLISHED: While I upgraded a few of my photos to high resolution images this is definitely an area that I need to work on. It will certainly be one of my high priority objectives for 2013.
    3) Upgrade the average technical grade of the coins in my "USA/Philippines Type Set" to MS/PF 65.0 or above.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED: During 2012 I made several significant upgrades to my "USA/Philippines Type Set" bringing the average technical grade of this Set to MS/PF 65.00. The additions included several spectacular high end proofs including; a 1908 Half Centavo (NGC PF65 RD), a 1906 Fifty Centavos (NGC PF66), and a Top Pop 1904 One Centavo (NGC PF67 RB).
    My fourth and fifth numismatic goals related to improvements that I wanted to make in my other Competitive Registry Sets:
    4) Have an Owners Description for 100% of the coins in all of my Competitive Registry Sets.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    5) Have at least a low resolution image for 100% of the coins in all of my Competitive Registry Sets.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    My next four Numismatic Goals related to my Custom Registry Sets:
    6) Complete my "1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set" and unlock it for public view.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED: During 2012 I completed my "1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set". When NGC created a competitive set for this category I deleted my "Custom Set" and set up a competitive "1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set". This set is currently the top ranked 1908 Proof Set and was recognized by NGC with a "2012 Best Classic Set" award. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=143079&Ranking=all
    7) Expand the Set Description of my "Coins and Medals of the United States Manila Mint" Custom Registry Set to include more detailed information regarding the history of the mint.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=1113
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    8) Have detailed Owners Descriptions for 100% of the coins and medals in my "Coins and Medals of the United States Manila Mint" Custom Registry Set.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    9) Have images for 100% of the coins and medals in my "Coins and Medals of the United States Manila Mint" Custom Registry Set.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED
    My final two Numismatic Goals related to expanding my knowledge about this important time and place in American history and sharing this knowledge with the Collectors Society community:
    10) Expand my personal reference library by at least four new acquisitions. For example: out of print numismatic journals, books, and historical documents.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED: During 2012 I acquired a number of historically important books and documents. The additions included several out of print books written by the government officials, generals, and Guerilla leaders that played pivotal roles in the history of the Philippines under United States Sovereignty, official histories written by "The Historical Section of the Philippine Army", and certified copies of original documents from the National Archives. I was also privileged to acquire some of the original research notes and personal correspondence of the noted numismatic researcher and historian C.M. Nielsen.
    11) Post at least two well thought out and illustrated Collectors Journal entries each month on some aspect of USA/Philippine coins or US/Philippine history.
    GOAL ACCOMPLISHED: I surpassed this goal several times over posting 112 illustrated Collectors Journal entries during 2012. Hopefully my fellow Collectors Society members found my Journals informative. I was honored to be recognized by NGC with a "2012 Journal Award".
    SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONS
    I am really pleased that I was able to achieve ten of the eleven Numismatic Goals that I set for myself at the beginning of the year.
    The only goal that was not achieved was to upgrade the images in my "USA/Philippines Type Set" to high resolution photographs. This will definitely be one of my high priority objectives for 2013. I still have a certificate for five free NGC Photo Proofs of coins from this set that I will use for this purpose. Since my "1908 Proof Set" won a "2012 Best Classic Set" award I will be receiving a certificate for five free NGC Photo Proofs from that set. Since several of the coins in my "1908 Proof Set" are also in my "USA/Philippines Type Set" this will give me an opportunity to obtain at least four NGC Photo Proofs that can be used for both sets.

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  23. JAA

    NGC Registry Awards

    By JAA,

    Thank you NGC for selecting my 1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set for a "2012 Best Classic Set Award".
    For the past several years much of my collecting efforts have focused on my Custom USA/Philippines Registry Sets. When NGC established a competitive category for 1908 USA/Philippines Proof Sets (in November 2012) I deleted my "Custom Set" in that category and set up a "Competitive" 1908 Proof Set.
    While I am honored that NGC selected my 1908 Proof Set for a "2012 Best Classic Set Award" I feel somewhat ambivalent about the honor since this set is a definitely a "work in progress" and nowhere near the ultimate 1908 USA/Philippines Proof Set. Rest assured that I will be continually upgrading this set. In fact since the judging closed I have upgraded two of the coins in this set. I upgraded the 1908 Half Centavo from PF65 RD to a "Top Pop" PF67RB and the Fifty Centavos from PF62 to PF64. I also plan to upgrade the photos to high resolution "NGC Photo Proof" images.
    If you haven't seen my 1908 Proof Set please take a look but be sure to check back periodically for upgrades.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=143079&Ranking=all
    The attached photo is a 1908 Half Centavo, PCGS PR67 RB. Combined NGC/PCGS population 3/0.

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  24. JAA
    Today's Journal entry is the seventeenth installment in my weekly series on United States coinage for the Philippine Islands. The sixteenth of the twenty slots that compose a NGC USA-Philippines Type Set is the large silver Peso of 1903 -- 1906.
    Without a doubt the 1903 - 1906 Peso is the "King" of the USA/Philippines Type Set. This large (38 mm) crown size coin (the same diameter as a U.S. Morgan Silver Dollar) is the largest coin struck by the United States for use in the Philippines while they were under United States sovereignty.
    The One Peso was designed by Filipino artist Melicio Figueroa and engraved by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber. The obverse design features a young Filipino woman standing to the right in a flowing dress while striking an anvil with a hammer held in her right hand. Her left hand is raised and holding an olive branch. In the background is a billowing volcano. The obverse carries the inscriptions "One Peso" and "Filipinas" (Spanish for Philippines). The reverse design depicts an eagle with spread wings perched atop an American shield. The reverse carries the inscription "United States of America" and the date.
    The 1903 - 1906 Peso has a diameter of 38 mm and a weight of 29.95 grams (416 grains) of .900 fineness silver (ASW .7800 oz).
    Business strikes of the One Peso were produced at the Philadelphia Mint in 1903 (2,791,459) and 1904 (10,000) and the San Francisco Mint from 1903 through 1906. Mintage figures for the San Francisco business strikes are as follows: 1903-S (11,361,000), 1904-S (6,600,000), 1905-S (6,056,000), and 1906-S (201,000).
     
    All of the 1904 (P) business strikes were produced as part of a Special Mint Set of USA-Philippine silver coins (Ten Centavos, Twenty Centavos, Fifty Centavos, and One Peso) struck specifically for sale at the Philippine Exhibit at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World Fair) in St. Louis. Of the 10,000 sets produced for this purpose 3254 were sold at the 1904 World Fair. Another 500 sets were sold by the Philippine Treasury in Manila. The remaining 6246 sets were placed in circulation as ordinary coins.
    One Peso proof coins were made in very limited quantities at the Philadelphia Mint from 1903 through 1906. Mintage figures for 1903 -- 1906 proofs are as follows: 1903 (2,558), 1904 (1,355), 1905 (471), and 1906 (500). The 1905, and 1906 One Peso are PROOF ONLY ISSUES. Proof sets were not sold in any sort of protective packaging or cases but were contained in plain paper envelopes and each coin was wrapped individually in thin tissue paper. This method of packaging has contributed to the micro thin hairline scratches seen on most proof coins as well as the heavy toning often seen. Choice and GEM proof coins are very scarce.
    The business and proof coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint have no mint mark. Business strikes produced at the San Francisco Mint have an "S" mint mark on the reverse to the left of the date.
    The 1903 - 1906 Peso had a very high silver content (ASW .7800 oz.) compared to its face value. With a silver content slightly higher than a U.S. Morgan Silver Dollar (ASW .77344 oz.) and an official exchange rate of two Philippine Pesos to one U.S. dollar it was not long before the value of the silver in the Philippine Peso exceeded its face value. As a result coinage was forced to a complete halt by mid 1906. By November 1906 the bullion value of Philippine silver coins had risen to 13.2% over face value and silver coins had virtually disappeared from circulation. In order to prevent further melting and exportation of Philippine silver coins all silver coins were recalled from circulation in December 1906 and exported to the U.S. for re-coinage into the reduced size and weight pieces which followed in 1907.
    Neil Shafer reports that 30,482,534 Pesos in silver coins dated 1903-1906 (out of a total issue for those years of 32,779,281.80) were melted and re-coined into reduced size and weight coins. "This figure represents over 91% of the earlier pieces." (Shafer, 1961. Page 15)
    "By June 30, 1911, out of a total Peso coinage from 1903-1906 of close to 27,000,000 pieces, only 2,385,855 Peso pieces were officially reported as yet remaining in the Philippines." (Shafer, 1961. Page 30)
    Almost all 1906-S Pesos were stored unissued and later sold as bullion. This unique set of circumstances created the most famous and most sought after USA/Philippine coin the rare 1906-S Peso. NGC and PCGS combined have only certified forty-five 1906-S Pesos in any grade. Only eight specimens have been certified in mint state with the highest grade being MS62. The Allen catalog lists a theoretical value of $37,500.00 for a 1906-S Peso in MS63.
    Strike Issues: "Obverses are generally well struck, but occasionally some flattening of the frontal hair and the left bosom and hand will be found. Reverses have indistinctly cut feathers on the eagle's breast, and sometimes a little flattening of the wing tips." (Shafer, 1961. page 40)
    Die Varieties: The 1903 - 1906 One Peso has two known die varieties. The 1904/4 Peso (Allen number 16.03a) is only known in proof and is the only USA/Philippines proof coin of any date or denomination with a known die variety. The other die variety is the 1905-S business strike with a Straight Serf 1 in the date (Allen number 16.06a). In this variety "the serf of the 1 in the date is straight rather than curved as seen on all earlier dates. This 1 punch was used late in the production year for this date and again for all of the rare 1906 issue." (Allen, 2008. Page 32)
    Finding Gem quality examples of the 1903 - 1906 One Peso can be both challenging and expensive. The weight and size of this coin made it particularly prone to bag marks so there is a very small population of surviving specimens of any date in MS65 or above. The least expensive type coin is the 1903-S business strike which has a book value of $1100.00 in MS65 and $275.00 in MS63.
    The attached picture shows my 1903 USA-Philippines One Peso PF64. The 1903 One Peso had a proof mintage of 2,558. The NGC population for the 1903 Peso in Proof 64 is 7 coins with 24 specimens graded higher.
    To see my One Peso Registry Set click here: htt://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=59844&Ranking=all
    To see the other coins that comprise an NGC USA-Philippines Type Set visit my award winning (2011 Best Presented Set Award) USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=51257&Ranking=all
    An expanded version of the USA-Philippines Type Set is found in my Custom USA-Philippines Type Set at: http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9238
    Next week's installment will feature the Reduced Size and Weight One Peso of 1907 - 1912.

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  25. JAA

    Congratulations coin928

    By JAA,

    Congratulations to coin928 for his well deserved Best Presented Set award. Assembling a complete collection of high grade USA-Philippine One Centavos is a tremendous accomplishment and this set is a real beauty. Coin928 always does a wonderful job in presenting his sets and this set is no exception.
    All of the coins in this difficult to complete series have excellent high resolution photographs and comprehensive and informative descriptions. If you haven't viewed this amazing set yet please do so, it is quite an educational experience. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/registry/coins/SetListing.aspx?PeopleSetID=34793&Ranking=all
    The NGC judges were right on in selecting this set for a Best Presented set award. My only quarrel with the judges' comments is that in their discussion of this sets noteworthy condition rarities they failed to mention the beautiful Top Pop 1908 S/S One Centavo (Allen number 2.06a). This rare variety has a combined NGC/PCGS population of only two specimens in MS65 RB with none graded higher. In my opinion this specimen is the single finest example of this variety and could easily have graded Red rather than RB. Take a look for yourself. http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinView.aspx?PeopleSetCoinID=1440949
    Congratulations coin 928 on your well deserved honor.

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