United States Administration (Philippines) One Centavo
Country of Origin: Philippines (issued by the United States Mint)
Year of Issue: 1944
Denomination: One Centavo
Composition: Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Zinc and Tin)
Brief Description
A bronze coin featuring an eagle over a shield on the obverse and a seated man with a hammer and anvil in front of a volcano on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Minted by the US for the Philippines Commonwealth. The 1944 issue was produced in the US during WWII to replace currency lost or destroyed during the Japanese occupation, signifying the return of US control and preparation for liberation.
Estimated Value
$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition; $5.00 - $15.00 in high-grade Mint State.
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free flip or archival capsule. Handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprint oils which cause spotting on copper. Do not clean or polish.
Mint Mark
S (San Francisco Mint - though sometimes no mark is visible, the majority of 1944 centavos were struck there)
Mintage & Rarity
58,000,000; Extremely common for the series.
Weight & Diameter
5.18 grams / 24 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated (shows slight wear on the high points of the man's hair and the eagle's breast, but retains significant detail).
Obverse (Front)
Features an eagle with outspread wings perched on the coat of arms of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Legend reads 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' above and the date '1944' below.
Reverse (Back)
Depicts a seated Filipino man holding a hammer resting on an anvil, with the Mayon Volcano in the background. Inscribed 'ONE CENTAVO' at top and 'PILIPINAS' at bottom.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Condition/Grade is the primary factor. Higher values are Reserved for 'Red' uncirculated examples with original luster. While common, errors like off-center strikes are sought after.
Similar Coins
Often confused with US-issued Five Centavos or different years of the same series. Distinguished by the metal (Bronze vs. Cupro-nickel) and the specific denomination text.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight (5.18g) and diameter. Counterfeits are rare for this common date, but poor quality castings may exist. Look for sharp details in the volcano's smoke and the eagle's feathers.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major recognized varieties exist for this year, though different die states can result in faintness of the 'S' mint mark.
Created At: 2026-05-22T07:26:24.237158