Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 2017 ASEAN 50th Anniversary Commemorative 1-Piso Coin
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Commemorative) · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), the sole issuer of Philippine currency, established in 1949 and known for high-quality commemorative strikes in the Southeast Asian region.
Pattern: ASEAN 50th Anniversary Commemorative Issue, introduced in 2017. This was a limited circulating commemorative release rather than a standard definitive pattern.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Commemorative)
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), the sole issuer of Philippine currency, established in 1949 and known for high-quality commemorative strikes in the Southeast Asian region.
Material
Nickel-plated Steel. While silver-colored, it contains no actual silver content. It consists of a steel core with a thin layer of nickel electroplating to provide a shiny, tarnish-resistant finish.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.0 mm; Thickness: 1.9 mm; Weight: 5.35 grams. This matches the standard specifications for the New Generation Currency (NGC) series 1-piso coins.
Description
This is a commemorative 1-Piso coin issued by the Philippines to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The obverse displays a stylized sun with 'ASEAN 50' text, while the background is filled with micro-inscriptions and the names of the member nations. It reflects the diplomatic pride of the Philippines as a founding member and the host of the 2017 summit.
Key Features
Micro-text inscriptions, the 50th-anniversary logo, 'Partnering for Change' motto, and the specific 2017 date. Its distinct design separates it from the standard Jose Rizal 1-piso coins.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated Steel. While silver-colored, it contains no actual silver content. It consists of a steel core with a thin layer of nickel electroplating to provide a shiny, tarnish-resistant finish.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-finished field with raised relief. The obverse features the 'ASEAN 50' logo, the sun with eight rays (from the Philippine flag), and the slogan 'PARTNERING FOR CHANGE, ENGAGING THE WORLD.' The texture includes fine micro-text and geometric patterns signifying the 10 member states.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks are integrated into the design; it features the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas seal on the reverse. There are no silver purity marks (like .925) because the item is base metal.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using a high-pressure coinage press and hardened steel dies. The planchet (blank) was pre-plated before being struck with the design, a process commonly used for modern circulating currency.
Functional Features
The coin features a reeded (milled) edge to prevent clipping and to assist the visually impaired in identifying the denomination. It was designed as legal tender for transaction use within the Philippines.
Handle & Grip Details
The coin has a raised 'rim' which protects the design from surface wear during circulation and provides a tactile edge for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial minting quality. The precision of the micro-text is a hallmark of modern security printing and minting, intended to make the coin difficult to counterfeit even though it is a low-value denomination.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth, authentic BSP logo on the reverse, proper weight-to-diameter ratio, and magnetic properties consistent with a nickel-plated steel core.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines, struck at the Security Plant Complex of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Quezon City, which handles the production of all Philippine banknotes and coins.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern (21st Century). Specifically issued during the Philippines' Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017 under the Republic of the Philippines.
Age Estimate
Dated 2017. Produced specifically in late 2016 or throughout 2017.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'ASEAN Spirit' and the Philippines' role in regional geopolitical stability. It serves as a pocket-sized reminder of the economic and cultural integration of Southeast Asian nations.
Condition Notes
The item appears to be in 'Circulated' or 'Extra Fine' condition. There are visible surface scratches and 'bag marks' from contact with other coins, but the primary design elements and micro-text remain legible. No evidence of heavy corrosion.
Value Estimate
Market Value: 1 to 50 Philippine Pesos. While its face value is 1 Peso, collectors in the US or Europe might pay $1-$2 USD for a clean specimen. It is not valuable for its metal content.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners. If desired, clean only with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Collectors should store this in a non-PVC coin flip or capsule to prevent 'zinc rot' or oxidation of the steel core if the plating is breached.
Similar Pieces
Standard 1-Piso NGC Coin (features Jose Rizal), the 2017 ASEAN 10-Piso Commemorative (larger, bimetallic appearance), and various ASEAN silver proof medals (which actually contain .925 silver).
Interesting Facts
Though it looks like silver to the untrained eye, the metallic composition was switched to steel to prevent 'coin melting'—a practice where people would melt down older copper-nickel coins for their metal value which exceeded the face value of the coin.