Philippines 1 Peso Coin (Jose Rizal), NGC Series (Steel/Nickel Plate)
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Currency) · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), Manila Mint. Reputable state-owned mint established in its current form in 1993.
Pattern: New Generation Currency (NGC) Series, 1 Peso Denomination featuring Jose Rizal.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulating Currency)
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), Manila Mint. Reputable state-owned mint established in its current form in 1993.
Material
Nickel-plated Steel. Note: This is not a silver item. It contains a steel core with a thin electroplated nickel coating. It is ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets).
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.0 mm; Thickness: 1.9 mm; Weight: 5.35 grams. This is the standard size for the 2011-2017 series.
Description
A standard circulating 1 Peso coin from the Republic of the Philippines. It features the sharp profile of Jose Rizal, a polymath and national hero whose writings inspired the Philippine Revolution. The design is utilitarian, reflecting the transition from the previous BSP series to the modern, more durable nickel-plated steel composition.
Key Features
Magnetic steel core (unlike older silver-colored Philippine coins), '2011' date at the bottom, and the micro-text near Rizal's name.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated Steel. Note: This is not a silver item. It contains a steel core with a thin electroplated nickel coating. It is ferromagnetic (attracted to magnets).
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin finish; features a profile portrait of national hero Jose Rizal, the denomination '1 PISO', and the year '2011'. The reverse typically features the BSP logo.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks (none visible in this specific lighting); Denomination '1 PISO'; Inscription 'REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS'; Date '2011'; Name 'JOSE RIZAL'.
Construction Details
Die-struck/Machine-pressed planchet. Produced using high-speed industrial coinage presses with steel dies.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent clipping or counterfeiting; high relief for tactile identification; legal tender status in the Philippines.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Coinage). The edge features vertical milling/reeding for grip during handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial machine-made quality. Typical of modern high-volume circulation strikes; clean lines but lacks the hand-finished artistry of antique silver coinage.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck details are consistent with BSP standards; Font and portrait match institutional dies. Note: Heavy dark toning is characteristic of this specific alloy's reaction to environmental sulfur.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines; Manila. Produced by the Security Plant Complex (SPC) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Era & Period
Contemporary / Modern (21st Century). Part of the New Generation Currency series launched in 2010 to modernize Philippine money.
Age Estimate
Dated 2011. This is the first year of issue for the New Generation Currency 1 Peso coin.
Cultural Significance
Represents the everyday commerce of the Philippines. Jose Rizal is arguably the most significant figure in Philippine history, symbolizing intellectual resistance against colonial rule.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extra Fine (XF). Shows significant surface oxidation/toning (darkening) which is common for nickel-plated steel exposed to moisture. No major rim dings but visible surface scuffs.
Value Estimate
Face value: 1 Philippine Peso (approx. $0.017 USD). Not a silver collectible; numismatic value for a circulated 2011 specimen is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
For circulating coins of this composition, specialized cleaning is not recommended as it can damage the nickel plating. Store in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation/rust of the steel core.
Similar Pieces
1972-1974 1 Peso (larger, Copper-Nickel); 1903-1906 US-Philippines 1 Peso (Genuine .900 Silver, much larger and historically valuable).
Interesting Facts
Jose Rizal has appeared on the 1 Peso denomination since the early 20th century. This 2011 version replaced the larger, non-magnetic copper-nickel versions used previously.