Philippines 1 Peso Coin, Jose Rizal Portrait, 2004
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Numismatic Currency) · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). This institution is the sole issuer of Philippine currency, established in 1949 with a reputation for high-security minting standards.
Pattern: BSP Coin Series (introduced in 1995, phased out for the New Generation Currency series in 2018).
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Numismatic Currency)
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). This institution is the sole issuer of Philippine currency, established in 1949 with a reputation for high-security minting standards.
Material
Nickel-plated Steel. Warning: This item contains no actual silver. Prior to 1903 and 1967, some Philippine coins contained silver, but the 2004 issue is entirely base metal with a silver-colored plating.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.0 mm, Thinness: 1.85 mm, Weight: 5.35 grams. Standard circulation size for this denomination.
Description
A standard circulating 1 Peso coin from the Philippines. The obverse features the bust of Dr. Jose Rizal, a Filipino nationalist and polymath who was a key figure in the Philippine Revolution. Despite its silver-colored appearance, it is a utilitarian piece of modern fiat currency designed for durability in high-volume trade.
Key Features
Portrait of Jose Rizal, '2004' date stamp, nickel-plated steel composition (ferromagnetic), and the 'BSP' seal.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated Steel. Warning: This item contains no actual silver. Prior to 1903 and 1967, some Philippine coins contained silver, but the 2004 issue is entirely base metal with a silver-colored plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-lustre circulation finish with relief engraving. Features the profile of national hero Jose Rizal on the obverse and the BSP seal on the reverse. Style is Modern Numismatic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS', '1 PESO', 'JOSE RIZAL', and date '2004'. Reverse: BSP logo with 'BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS'. No purity hallmarks as it is not a precious metal.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck on a nickel-plated steel planchet. Mass-produced using automated high-speed minting presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent clipping or counterfeiting; high relief for tactile identification; magnetic due to the steel core.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; standard flat coin profile with raised rim for stacking integrity.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial minting quality. The strike is centered with even depth. Engraving shows standard mid-range detail for mass-produced state currency.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the strike, clarity of the micro-lettering under the portrait, magnetic properties consistent with plated steel, and diameter match to BSP specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines; minted at the Security Plant Complex (SPC) in Quezon City, which handles the nation's currency and security printing.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Fifth Republic of the Philippines. Specifically the 1995-2017 BSP Coin Series design period.
Age Estimate
Dated 2004. Approximately 20 years old as of current examination.
Cultural Significance
Jose Rizal is the national hero of the Philippines; his presence on the most common denomination reflects his central role in Filipino identity and the country's struggle for independence from Spain.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). Shows typical surface bag marks, minor scratches, and light oxidation/dirt in the crevices of the relief. No major structural damage or cleaning evidence.
Value Estimate
Face value is 1 Philippine Peso. Numismatic value for a circulated 2004 specimen is approximately $0.10 - $0.50 USD depending on the buyer's interest in world coin lots.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized silver care required as it is steel. To preserve numismatic value, do not use abrasive polishes; store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free holder to prevent 'zinc pest' or rust.
Similar Pieces
1972-1974 1 Peso (Pure Nickel), 1903-1906 1 Peso (Fine Silver - much larger and contains actual silver), 2018 NGC 1 Peso (Stainless Steel).
Interesting Facts
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas demonetized this series in 2018-2019, meaning while they hold historical value, they are no longer legal tender in many retail settings compared to the new silver-colored 'New Generation' coins.