Philippines 10 Piso Bimetallic Coin, 2017 Issue
Coin/Bullion · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). The BSP is the central monetary authority of the Philippines, known for its rigorous minting standards within Southeast Asia.
Pattern: New Generation Currency (NGC) Series, first introduced in 2010. This specific 10 Piso design was minted between 2010 and 2017 before being replaced by the New Generation Currency Coin Series in 2018.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). The BSP is the central monetary authority of the Philippines, known for its rigorous minting standards within Southeast Asia.
Material
Bimetallic composition. The outer ring is composed of Cupro-Nickel (copper and nickel), while the center core is Aluminum-Bronze. It contains no actual silver content, despite its silver-colored outer ring.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2.14 mm; Weight: 8.70 grams. These are the standard specifications for the 2010-2017 bimetallic 10 Piso issue.
Description
This is a 2017 Philippines 10 Piso coin, a distinctive bimetallic piece from the New Generation Currency series. The coin honors two Philippine revolutionary heroes, Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini, whose profiles appear together in the golden aluminum-bronze center. The outer silver-colored ring provides a sharp contrast, making it one of the most visually recognizable coins in Philippine numismatic history.
Key Features
Bimetallic construction (gold-colored core in a silver-colored ring) and the dual portrait of Bonifacio and Mabini. The year date 2017 is prominently displayed on the outer ring.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic composition. The outer ring is composed of Cupro-Nickel (copper and nickel), while the center core is Aluminum-Bronze. It contains no actual silver content, despite its silver-colored outer ring.
Finish & Decoration
Satin circulation finish with relief engraving. The obverse features the conjoined profiles of Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini. The reverse (not fully visible but implied by the series) features the BSP logo and a Map of the Philippines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin is stamped with REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS, the denomination 10 PISO, the year of minting 2017, and the names of the heroes (Bonifacio and Mabini) in micro-print near their profiles.
Construction Details
Machine-struck bimetallic assembly. The outer ring (annulus) and the center plug (core) are struck simultaneously, causing the two metals to fuse together through mechanical pressure.
Functional Features
Milled edge (reeded) for tactile recognition and to prevent debasement. Specifically designed for general circulation and high-volume daily transactions.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable as this is a coin; however, the reeded edge provides a grip for the user.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting. The alignment of the core within the ring is precise, a hallmark of the BSP's Security Plant Complex, which also prints the nation's banknotes.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font style for REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS, proper alignment of the bimetallic seam, and the specific 2017 date which was the final year for this specific design.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines; minted in Quezon City at the Security Plant Complex of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Era & Period
Modern Era (2010-2017), specifically the late period of the original New Generation Currency program in the Philippines.
Age Estimate
Dated 2017. Based on the 2017 strike date and the specific bimetallic design, it was produced just before the transition to the all-nickel-plated steel series in 2018.
Cultural Significance
Apolinario Mabini is known as the Sublime Paralytic, and Andres Bonifacio is the Father of the Philippine Revolution; their presence on the highest denomination coin of its time reflects their paramount importance in Philippine history.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition. The coin shows significant surface wear, contact marks, and minor oxidation/tarnish on the aluminum-bronze core. The details on the hair and facial features are softened due to handling.
Value Estimate
Face value is 10 Philippine Pesos (approx. $0.18 USD). Numismatic value for a circulated 2017 specimen is negligible, though uncirculated (MS) examples may carry a small premium to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
For circulation coins, no special cleaning is required. If collecting for numismatic value, store in an acid-free 2x2 flip to prevent further oxidation of the aluminum-bronze core.
Similar Pieces
The 2018 10 Piso (New Generation Currency Coin Series) which is monochromatic (nickel-plated steel) and features only Bonifacio; also similar to the Thai 10 Baht or Euro coins which share the bimetallic look.
Interesting Facts
This coin design was often confused with the 5 Piso coin of the same era due to their size similarity, leading the BSP to redesign the entire coin set in 2018 to be more distinguishable for the visually impaired.