
The Philippines has a rich history of currency, with various denominations and designs used over the years.
The first Philippine currency was introduced in 1851, during the Spanish colonial period, featuring the image of King Ferdinand VII.
In the early 20th century, the Philippine peso was introduced, replacing the Mexican peso.
The peso was initially pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1, but this was later changed to a fixed rate in 1949.
Take a look at this: Us Dollar to Philippine Peso History
Philippine Old Currency
The Philippine Old Currency is a fascinating topic. The first Philippine peso was introduced in 1851 by Spanish colonizers.
The peso was initially pegged to the Spanish silver dollar. It was divided into 8 reales, with each real equal to 1/8 of a peso.
The design of the peso featured the Spanish royal family, with King Philip II's portrait on the obverse side. This design was used until the Filipino Revolution in 1898.
The peso was also used as a unit of account for trade and commerce in the Philippines. Merchants and traders used it to calculate prices and make transactions.
In 1903, the peso was revalued and re-denominated, with a new peso equivalent to 100 centavos. This change was implemented to simplify the currency and reduce inflation.
The peso remained the official currency of the Philippines until 1935, when the country switched to the US dollar.
Take a look at this: One Thousand Peso Bill Philippines
Paper Money Basics
The Philippines was heavily reliant on paper money in the early 1900s. The US took control of the Philippines after defeating Spain in the war of 1898, leading to the US printing paper money for the country.
Much of the paper money from this era looks similar to US paper money from the early 1900s. The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed these notes, which featured similar design features.
George Washington was even pictured on some Philippine series paper money from this era. The US high-quality intaglio printing designs are evident in these banknotes.
The "American Era" lasted from 1901 to 1946, during which time the US printed paper money for the Philippines.
For more insights, see: Currency Money
Banknote Guidelines
To navigate the world of Philippine old currency, it's essential to understand the value of banknotes. Knowing the era your paper money came from and how many banknotes were printed is a primary factor when determining the value of old Philippine Paper Money.
Expand your knowledge: Philippine Sarswela
To avoid counterfeits, educate yourself on Philippine Paper Money and know which series are most commonly counterfeited. Buy graded banknotes to assure authenticity, and find a trustworthy seller who has been in the industry for decades.
Here are some key guidelines to keep in mind:
- Buy graded banknotes to assure authenticity.
- Find a trustworthy seller who has been in the industry for decades.
- Avoid paying too much on platforms like eBay, where sellers need to ask for ridiculous amounts of money in order to combat the high seller fees.
- Don't buy at full retail cost; find a reputable dealer who will give you their best deal.
The Value of Banknotes
The value of banknotes depends on the era they came from, with those from smaller print-runs being more valuable.
Knowing the era of a banknote is crucial in determining its value, as some were mass-produced while others were printed in limited quantities.
A lot of banknotes from the 1900s were heavily circulated, which affects their value today.
Banknotes that were printed for small print-runs are highly sought after, making them more valuable than those that were mass-produced.
Understanding the print-run of a banknote can help you determine its true value.
A fresh viewpoint: Does Canada Have Their Own Currency
Banknote Selling Guidelines
Selling banknotes can be a lucrative venture, but it requires some knowledge and caution. Educate yourself on Philippine Paper Money to make informed decisions.

First and foremost, never sell counterfeit paper money if you know it's fake. Don't risk losing your reputation and credibility in the industry.
When looking for a platform to sell your banknotes, be aware of unnecessary seller fees. These fees can cost you hundreds of dollars, which is a significant loss.
To avoid these fees, consider selling directly to a trustworthy buyer. A buyer who has been in the industry for decades is a good starting point.
Here are some key things to look for in a trustworthy buyer:
- Decades of experience in the industry
Banknote Buying Guidelines
Buying Philippine banknotes can be a thrilling experience, but it's essential to approach it with caution. Knowing the era your paper money came from and how many banknotes were printed is a primary factor when determining the value of old Philippine Paper Money.
To ensure authenticity, find a Paper Money Expert who can help track down rare notes for your collection. This professional guidance can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
The Philippine banknote market is notorious for counterfeiting, so it's crucial to know which series are most commonly counterfeited. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when buying.
Buying graded banknotes from a reputable company like PMG can assure authenticity and provide a higher value for your collection. This is especially important when buying rare or unique notes.
To avoid overpaying, find a reputable dealer who will give you their best deal. This might require some research and patience, but it's worth it in the long run.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when buying Philippine banknotes:
- Avoid paying too much on platforms like eBay, where sellers need to ask for ridiculous amounts of money to combat high seller fees.
- Rushing into buying an entire collection at once can demand a significant premium, so take your time and consider your options carefully.
- Never use tape or staples near your paper money, as this can damage the notes and negatively impact their value.
- Improper storage of Philippine paper money can also negatively impact its value later down the line, so make sure to store your collection properly.
BSP Sets Dec 29 Deadline
The BSP has set December 29 as the final deadline to swap old peso bills with new ones.
This deadline is non-extendable, so make sure to exchange your old banknotes before then.
The deadline has been extended thrice, with the original deadline being December 31, 2016, and later moved to March 31, June 30, and finally to December 29, 2017.
You can exchange old bills at authorized financial institutions like universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, rural banks, and cooperative banks.
The BSP or any of its regional offices also accept old banknotes for exchange.
If you transacted on December 27 or 28 at the BSP main office in Manila but missed the 2 pm cut-off, you can return on January 3 with an official form.
However, this doesn't extend the deadline, it's just an acknowledgement that you came before the deadline.
Be mindful of banking hours and cut-offs in operations, as the exchange process takes time and attention to verify the authenticity of each bank note.
Specific Banknotes
The Philippines had a wide range of old banknotes, each with its own unique characteristics. The 10-piso note, for example, featured a portrait of Apolinario Mabini, a key figure in the country's struggle for independence.
The 50-piso note, on the other hand, was a popular denomination that was widely used in everyday transactions. It was also a favorite among collectors due to its vibrant design and historic significance.
The Philippines' old currency was issued by the Central Bank of the Philippines, which was responsible for regulating the country's monetary policy.
Obverse

The obverse side of a banknote is the front side, and it's often the most iconic part of the note. The obverse side typically features a prominent image or portrait.
Apolinario Mabini's bust is a common feature on the obverse side of certain banknotes. His image is usually facing right.
The seal of a government or institution is often placed on the lower right corner of the obverse side. This can serve as a symbol of authenticity and legitimacy.
The obverse side is usually the side that's most visible when a banknote is being used in everyday transactions.
Reverse
The concept of reverse banknotes is quite fascinating.
In the case of the 100 dollar bill, it features a reverse side with a large numeral 100 and the words "United States of America" in a circular pattern.
The reverse side of the 100 dollar bill is also notable for its use of a unique color-shifting ink, which changes from copper to green when tilted.
Suggestion: Philippines Currency 100

The 100 dollar bill's reverse side has undergone several design changes since its introduction in 1861.
The 100 dollar bill's security thread, which glows pink when held under UV light, is also visible on the reverse side.
The reverse side of the 100 dollar bill is designed to be highly secure and difficult to counterfeit.
1 Peso Banknotes
The 1 Peso banknotes are a staple in many countries, including Mexico and Peru. They're widely used and accepted, making them a convenient option for everyday transactions.
In Mexico, the 1 Peso banknote features a portrait of José Guadalupe Posada, a famous Mexican printmaker and illustrator. His artwork is still widely recognized today.
Peruvian 1 Peso banknotes, on the other hand, feature a portrait of José de San Martín, a national hero who played a key role in the country's independence movement.
For another approach, see: Mexico's Currency and Exchange Rate
2 Pesos Banknotes
The 2 pesos banknote was introduced by Mexico in 1993 as a replacement for the 2 peso coin. It features a portrait of José María Morelos, a Mexican revolutionary hero.
The note's design includes a transparent window with a hologram of the Mexican eagle and a watermarked image of Morelos. This security feature helps prevent counterfeiting.
In 2013, Mexico updated the 2 pesos banknote to include a new security thread. The thread is woven into the paper and glows pink under ultraviolet light.
5 Pesos Banknotes
The 5 Pesos banknote is a widely used denomination in the Philippines. It's a great note to have on hand for everyday purchases.
The 5 Pesos banknote features a portrait of Apolinario Mabini, a Filipino revolutionary leader. He's an important figure in the country's history.
The note's design includes a watermarked image of Mabini's face to prevent counterfeiting. This security feature makes it harder for counterfeiters to create fake banknotes.
You can find the 5 Pesos banknote at most banks and currency exchange centers in the Philippines. It's a convenient option for travelers and locals alike.
The 5 Pesos banknote is widely accepted at stores, restaurants, and markets throughout the country. It's a great denomination to have on hand for small purchases.
Currency Information
The Philippine peso was the currency of the Philippines from 1903 to 1967, and it was subdivided into 100 centavos. It was pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2 pesos to 1 dollar.
The peso was introduced in 1903 to replace the Spanish peso, which had been the currency of the Philippines since the Spanish colonial period. The new currency was designed to be more practical and easier to use.
The peso was made of various metals, including silver, gold, and copper, and its design changed over time to reflect the country's growing independence. The peso was also used as a store of value and a medium of exchange.
The Philippine peso was replaced by the new peso in 1967, which was introduced to reduce inflation and stabilize the economy. The new peso was pegged to the US dollar at a floating rate, allowing for greater flexibility in the exchange rate.
Take a look at this: 50 Philippines Peso
Sources
- https://en.numista.com/catalogue/note202539.html
- https://www.securitybank.com/news/reminder-on-banknote-acceptance/
- https://oldmoneyprices.com/why-philippine-currency-can-be-valuable/
- https://www.atsnotes.com/banknotes/philippines.html
- https://www.rappler.com/business/192454-december-29-deadline-exchange-old-banknotes-final-bsp/
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