Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas 1 Piso Flora and Fauna Series Coin (Carabao)
Coin/Bullion · Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), the central monetary authority of the Republic of the Philippines, responsible for minting national currency.
Pattern: Flora and Fauna Series, introduced in 1983 and minted through the late 1990s.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines), the central monetary authority of the Republic of the Philippines, responsible for minting national currency.
Material
Nickel-brass or copper-nickel-zinc alloy, containing no precious silver despite its silvery appearance.
Dimensions
Standard 1 Piso Flora and Fauna coin dimensions, typically around 25 mm in diameter and weighing approximately 6.1 grams.
Description
A standard circulating 1 Piso coin from the Philippine Flora and Fauna series, held in an open palm to show scale. The obverse or reverse displays the iconic carabao (water buffalo), a vital symbol of Philippine agriculture, alongside its taxonomic designation. While possessing a silvery metallic sheen, it is a base metal alloy rather than precious silver.
Key Features
Features the prominent engraving of a carabao, the text '1 PISO', and the species name 'BUBALUS BUBALIS'.
Material & Composition
Nickel-brass or copper-nickel-zinc alloy, containing no precious silver despite its silvery appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike with a matte and semi-gloss finish. The reverse features an image of a carabao (water buffalo) with the scientific name Bubalus bubalis and the denomination '1 PISO'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the denomination '1 PISO', the scientific text 'BUBALUS BUBALIS', and the mint mark or issuing authority markings typical of Philippine coinage.
Construction Details
Machine-minted via high-pressure die striking, mass-produced for general economic circulation.
Functional Features
Standard circulating coin used for monetary transactions and currency exchange.
Handle & Grip Details
Plain or reeded edge depending on the specific minting year within the series, designed for standard coin handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced coin striking with consistent relief and standard machine-tooled lettering characteristic of late 20th-century state minting technology.
Authentication Indicators
Standard weight, dimensions, and alloy composition matching official Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas specifications for the Flora and Fauna series.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in the Philippines or contracted international mints for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Era & Period
Modern Period, specifically the Fourth Republic / Post-Martial Law era of the Philippines (c. 1983-1990s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1983 to 1995, based on the standard production run of the Flora and Fauna coin series.
Cultural Significance
Represents everyday Philippine economic life and honors the carabao, widely regarded as the national animal and an indispensable companion to Filipino farmers.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with moderate surface wear, minor scuffs, and standard handling marks consistent with being used as everyday currency.
Value Estimate
Face value or nominal collector value (typically under $1 USD), as these base metal coins were minted in large quantities and are common in numismatic markets.
Care & Maintenance
Standard base metal coin storage; keep in a dry environment to prevent environmental toning or corrosion, though standard cleaning is generally unnecessary for circulated base metal currency.
Similar Pieces
Other denominations from the Philippine Flora and Fauna coin series, such as the 10-sentimo to 5-piso coins featuring different native species.
Interesting Facts
The Flora and Fauna series was introduced by the Central Bank of the Philippines to highlight the rich biodiversity and endemic species of the country, featuring various native animals and plants on different denominations.