Philippines 10 Piso Bimetallic Coin, 2005
Coin/Currency · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). The BSP MINT is the official producer of Philippine currency, established in 1978.
Pattern: BSP Series (Bimetallic 10-Piso). Introduced in 2000, replaced by the New Generation Currency series in 2018.
Type
Coin/Currency
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). The BSP MINT is the official producer of Philippine currency, established in 1978.
Material
Bimetallic. Center: Aluminum-Bronze (Copper 92%, Aluminum 6%, Nickel 2%). Ring: Cupro-Nickel (Copper 75%, Nickel 25%). Note: Contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 26.5 mm; Thickness: 2.14 mm; Weight: 8.7 grams. This is a standard circulation size for the 10-Piso denomination of this era.
Description
A standard circulation 10-Piso bimetallic coin from the Philippines. The obverse depicts two Philippine revolutionary heroes: Andres Bonifacio (founder of the Katipunan) and Apolinario Mabini (the 'Sublime Paralytic'). The design uses contrasting metals to differentiate denominations in the pocket.
Key Features
Bimetallic design; dual-portrait obverse; '2005' year mark; cupro-nickel outer ring and aluminum-bronze center plug.
Material & Composition
Bimetallic. Center: Aluminum-Bronze (Copper 92%, Aluminum 6%, Nickel 2%). Ring: Cupro-Nickel (Copper 75%, Nickel 25%). Note: Contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with reeded edge. Features the conjoined profiles of Apolinario Mabini and Andres Bonifacio on the obverse. Reverse features the BSP Logo.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Inscribed 'REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS' and '2005' on the cupro-nickel ring. Inscribed '10 PISO' and names of the heroes on the aluminum-bronze center.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck bimetallic construction. The center plug is mechanically pressed into the outer ring during the minting process.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the Republic of the Philippines. Features a reeded edge to prevent clipping and assist visually impaired users.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage). The edge is intermittently reeded to provide tactile feedback and security against counterfeiting.
Craftsmanship Details
High-speed industrial minting. Details in the hair and clothing of the portraits show the precision of modern steel dies used by the BSP.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the bimetallic seam, crispness of the '2005' date stamp, and correct metallic color contrast. Weight and diameter align with mint specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
Philippines, Manila. Specially produced at the Security Plant Complex of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Era & Period
Modern Republic of the Philippines (Late 20th - Early 21st Century). Part of the BSP coin series used before the 2018 redesign.
Age Estimate
Dated 2005. Produced during the presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Cultural Significance
Honors the 'Brains of the Revolution' (Mabini) and the 'Father of the Philippine Revolution' (Bonifacio), dual-key figures in the nation's fight for independence from Spain.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Fine. Shows visible surface scratches, minor edge nicks, and typical oxidation/tarnish of the bronze center. No major structural damage.
Value Estimate
Face value: 10 Philippine Pesos (approx. $0.18 USD). Numismatic value: $0.50 - $2.00 USD in this circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
As a non-precious base metal coin, cleaning is discouraged for numismatic value; store in a dry environment to prevent further bronze disease or verdigris.
Similar Pieces
10-Piso 'New Generation Currency' (2018-present) which is nickel-plated steel and silver-colored; also the 1990s 10-Peso commemorative coins.
Interesting Facts
This was the first bimetallic coin circulating in the Philippines. It was controversial at launch because its size was similar to the older 5-Piso coin, leading to frequent confusion.