1972 Philippines 1 Piso Coin (Jose Rizal)
Coin/Bullion · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines)
Pattern: Pilipino Series; Obverse: Jose Rizal / Reverse: Republic of the Philippines Coat of Arms
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines)
Material
Nickel-Brass (No silver content present)
Dimensions
Diameter: 33mm; Thickness: 2.25mm; Weight: 14.28 grams (standard for this issue).
Description
A large-format 1 Piso coin from the Philippines. The reverse side shown features the national coat of arms of the Philippines, including the central sun with eight rays, surrounded by three stars. It is part of the 'Pilipino Series' which transitioned the currency text from English to Tagalog.
Key Features
Large 33mm diameter; Nickel-Brass composition; Tagalog legends; '1972' mintage date.
Material & Composition
Nickel-Brass (No silver content present)
Finish & Decoration
Struck with a matte/circulated finish. Features the national coat of arms of the Philippines on the reverse and the profile of national hero Jose Rizal on the obverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text 'REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS', Date '1972', and the Coat of Arms of the Philippines featuring the sun, stars, eagle, and lion.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck minting process; machine-made with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Monetary currency; legal tender at time of issue, now demonetized.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular coin edge).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard government-issued strike; clear lettering on the rim and detail in the coat of arms shield, though obscured by surface corrosion.
Authentication Indicators
Design elements, font, and coat of arms motifs match the 1972 1-Piso issue exactly. The yellowish-brown oxidation confirms a brass/copper-base alloy rather than silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines (likely minted in Manila or under contract by foreign mints like the US Mint or Royal Mint for the Philippine government).
Era & Period
Republic of the Philippines; Pilipino Series Era (1967-1974).
Age Estimate
Dated 1972.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-colonial identity of the Philippines, featuring the national hero Jose Rizal and using native Tagalog terminology for national sovereignty.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition. Significant environmental damage, heavy oxidation/tarnish (corrosion consistent with nickel-brass buried or exposed to moisture), surface pitting, and loss of original luster. Grade estimate: Circulated/Damaged.
Value Estimate
Nominal value ($0.10 - $1.00 USD). It is extremely common and the current condition (heavy oxidation) significantly limits collector value to its face or metal weight.
Care & Maintenance
For numismatic items of low value in this condition, avoid acidic cleaners. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or dry container to prevent further corrosion.
Similar Pieces
1967-1974 1 Piso coins; 1975-1982 'Ang Bagong Lipunan' series Piso (smaller/different metal); 1903-1945 US-Philippine Silver Pesos (which actually contain silver).
Interesting Facts
The 1972 Piso is famous for being much larger than the Piso coins used in the Philippines today (which are 23mm or 27mm).