500 Peso Bill Philippines Evolution and Development

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Paper Money and Bills on White Surface
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The 500 peso bill has undergone significant changes since its introduction in 1985. It was first issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines as a replacement for the 500 peso note.

The bill's design has evolved over the years to incorporate new security features. In 1993, the Central Bank introduced a new series of 500 peso bills with improved security features.

One notable change was the introduction of a new portrait of Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary leader, in 2002. This addition was part of the Central Bank's efforts to promote the country's rich history and culture.

The 500 peso bill has also undergone various redesigns to enhance its security features and prevent counterfeiting.

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Features

The 500 peso bill in the Philippines is a notable currency, and here are some of its key features.

The 500 peso bill is issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines, also known as Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Credit: youtube.com, The New Philippine 500-Peso Bill #bagongpilipinashymn #500pesos

It is part of the Enhanced New Generation Currency Series.

The 500 peso bill has a rectangular shape and measures 160 × 66 mm in size.

The paper used for the bill is a unique blend of 80% cotton and 20% Abacá fiber.

Here are the details of the 500 peso bill:

History and Design

The 500 peso bill has a rich history in the Philippines. In 1959, the 200 and 500 peso notes were withdrawn from circulation on December 31, 1959, pursuant to Philippine Republic Act No. 1516.

The design of the 500 peso bill has undergone significant changes over the years. From 2010 onwards, the portrait of Benigno Aquino, Jr. was redesigned and a portrait of his wife, former president Corazon Aquino, was added.

The New Generation series of 500 peso banknotes features a scene from the EDSA Revolution on the lower left of the obverse and the Ninoy Aquino Monument in the lower middle. The reverse now features the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the blue-naped parrot.

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History

Detailed view of 500 Mexican peso banknotes featuring Benito Juárez.
Credit: pexels.com, Detailed view of 500 Mexican peso banknotes featuring Benito Juárez.

In 1959, the 200 and 500 peso notes were withdrawn from circulation on December 31, 1959, pursuant to Philippine Republic Act No. 1516.

The Philippines has a rich history when it comes to banknotes, with various denominations being introduced and withdrawn over the years. The 500 peso notes, in particular, were a significant denomination that was eventually phased out.

Banknotes of the Philippines have undergone many changes, with the 500-base-unit banknotes being one of the notable examples.

First Philippine Polymer Series (2024-Present)

The First Philippine Polymer series was introduced in 2024 and is still in circulation today. This series marks a significant shift in the country's banknote design.

The 500-Piso First Philippine Polymer series banknote is a notable part of this series. It measures 160 mm x 66 mm in dimensions.

One of the distinctive features of this banknote is its yellow main color. This color is a deliberate choice to make the note easily recognizable.

Credit: youtube.com, NEW FIRST PHILIPPINES POLYMER BANKNOTE SERIES 2024 🇵🇭

The obverse of the 500-Piso banknote features the Visayan spotted deer (Rusa alfredi) and the Acanthephippium mantinianum orchid. These designs are a nod to the country's rich biodiversity.

The reverse of the 500-Piso banknote showcases the Subterranean Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, along with the Tanygnathus lucionensis, blue-naped parrot, and a Southern Philippines cloth design. These images highlight the country's natural wonders and cultural heritage.

This banknote was first issued in December 2024, and it's currently in limited circulation.

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Marcos Banknote (Unused)

The Marcos Banknote (Unused) is a fascinating piece of history. It's a 500-Piso banknote featuring Ferdinand E. Marcos on the obverse.

The banknote measures 160 mm × 66 mm in size. Its main color is black, which is quite striking.

On the obverse, you'll find a design featuring a narra tree, sugarcane, bundles of harvested rice stalks, and an indigenous weave design pattern from the Ilocos region, known as Inabel. This design is a beautiful representation of the country's natural resources and cultural heritage.

Credit: youtube.com, Unreleased 500-Peso Bill: The Untold Story of Marcos's Portrait and the People Power Revolution

The reverse side of the banknote features the Batasang Pambansa Complex, the seal of the president of the Philippines during the Marcos era, and some of the notable accomplishments of the Marcos administration, such as the San Juanico Bridge and the Angat Dam.

Interestingly, this banknote was never circulated, so it remains in its unused state. It's believed to have been first issued in 1985, although the exact date is not certain.

New Generation (2010–Present)

The New Generation series of banknotes was introduced in 2010, featuring a redesigned portrait of Benigno Aquino, Jr. and the addition of his wife Corazon Aquino's portrait.

A significant change occurred in 2017 with the updated version of the 500 piso banknote, which included changes to the font size of the year of issue and the italicization of the scientific name on the reverse side.

The New Generation series added a scene from the EDSA Revolution to the lower left of the obverse and the Ninoy Aquino Monument to the lower middle of the obverse in 2010.

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Elegant woman in a black dress posing gracefully on a Philippine beach under a cloudy sky.
Credit: pexels.com, Elegant woman in a black dress posing gracefully on a Philippine beach under a cloudy sky.

In 2020, an "enhanced" version of the 500 peso banknote was released, featuring color-changing indigenous patterns to the security threads and a Rolling bar effect on the 500 located at the upper-left corner.

Eight tactile marks were added to the front of the note in 2020 to assist the elderly and visually impaired, with four marks placed on each side of the note.

Printing and Production

The printing and production of the 500 peso bill in the Philippines is a well-organized process.

The Bank of the Philippines (BSP) is responsible for overseeing the production of the country's currency, including the 500 peso bill.

The BSP Governor plays a crucial role in the production process, with notable figures like Jose B. Fernandez Jr. and Gabriel C. Singson serving in this position.

The 500 peso bill has undergone several design changes over the years, with the New Design Series introduced in 1987-1990 and the New Generation Currency Series launched in 2010-2016.

Credit: youtube.com, 500 Philippine Peso Banknote (NGC)

Here's a breakdown of the BSP Governors associated with each series:

Design and Proposal

Angel C. Cacnio was commissioned to design the new 500-peso bill that would have had the image of then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

The design, which was not chosen, would have been more colorful.

The concept design of these bills are currently displayed at the Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Commemorative Issues

The 500-peso bill has been overprinted to commemorate certain events.

In fact, this has happened on occasion.

Sometimes, the 500-peso bill is used to mark special events.

The 500-peso bill has been overprinted to commemorate certain events.

Proposed Designs

Angel C. Cacnio was commissioned to design the new 500-peso bill that would have had the image of then-President Ferdinand Marcos.

The original artwork of Angel C. Cacnio's proposed Ninoy Aquino design of the ₱500 note is a great example of what could have been.

Cacnio's design, which was not chosen, would have been more colorful.

The concept design of these bills are currently displayed at the Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

A copy of the Marcos ₱500 banknote was discovered in the collection of Wilson Yuloque in 2012, showing that even rejected designs can be valuable.

Context and Background

Credit: youtube.com, Who Is This Child In The Old 500 Peso Bill? | History Flashback

The 500 peso bill in the Philippines has a rich history. It was first introduced in 1985 as part of the country's efforts to modernize its currency.

The 500 peso bill features a portrait of Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary leader and the first Prime Minister of the Philippines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a 500 peso bill in the Philippines?

Yes, the 500-peso denomination is part of the first Philippine polymer banknote series introduced in 2022. This new series features updated currency features every 10 years, aligning with global best practices.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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