Five Centavos (US-Philippines)

United States Administration of the Philippines · 1903-1945

A copper-nickel coin featuring a seated Filipino man with an anvil and hammer on one side, and the US-Philippines shield and eagle on the other.

Country: United States Administration of the Philippines
Year: 1903-1945
Denomination: 5 Centavos
Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Grade: About Good to Good (heavy wear, flat details, toned surfaces)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

A copper-nickel coin featuring a seated Filipino man with an anvil and hammer on one side, and the US-Philippines shield and eagle on the other.

Historical significance

Issued during the American colonial period of the Philippines, following the Spanish-American War, reflecting the monetary system established by the United States for the territory.

Obverse (front)

Features a seated Filipino man (Blas Villaruz or a representation of an indigenous worker) next to an anvil holding a hammer, with the text 'FIVE CENTAVOS' above and 'FILIPINAS' below.

Reverse (back)

Features the shield of the Philippine Islands surmounted by an American eagle with outstretched wings, surrounded by the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the year of issue.

Estimated value

$2-$10 in circulated condition, up to $25-$50+ in uncirculated Mint State depending on the specific year and mint mark.

What drives this coin's value

Year of issue, mint mark, overall preservation, and lack of corrosion or cleaning.

Grade assessment

About Good to Good (heavy wear, flat details, toned surfaces)

Mintage & rarity

Varies significantly by year; some dates had millions minted while others (like certain World War II era issues) are scarce or key dates.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight and dimensions precisely against specifications. Counterfeits are relatively rare for common dates due to low face value, but key dates should be verified by a professional service.

Notable varieties & errors

Overdates and mint mark variations (such as the 'S' mint mark used briefly or Manila 'M' variations) exist across the series.

Similar coins

Other US-Philippines denomination coins of the same era, such as the 10 centavos or 20 centavos which feature similar thematic designs.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside inert plastic coin flips or holders. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or polishing ruins its numismatic value and natural patina.