One Centavo

United States Administration of the Philippines · 1931

A copper-nickel-zinc alloy coin featuring a seated figure with an anvil on one side and a shield with an eagle on the other, showing considerable environmental toning and wear.

Country: United States Administration of the Philippines
Year: 1931
Denomination: 1 Centavo
Metal: 80% Copper, 10% Nickel, 10% Zinc

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-zinc alloy coin featuring a seated figure with an anvil on one side and a shield with an eagle on the other, showing considerable environmental toning and wear.

Historical significance

Issued during the American colonial period of the Philippines, reflecting the currency system established by the United States for the territory prior to its independence.

Obverse (front)

Depicts a seated Filipino man (Blas Villamor design) beside an anvil holding a hammer, with the denomination 'ONE CENTAVO' above and 'FILIPINAS' below.

Reverse (back)

Features an American eagle perched on a shield with the text 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the year '1931' at the top.

Estimated value

$1-$5 in circulated condition, up to $15-$30 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade, presence of mint marks, and overall surface preservation.

Grade assessment

Fair to About Good (AG-3 to G-4), showing heavy overall wear, dark toning, and loss of fine details.

Mintage & rarity

Moderate mintage, common in lower grades but scarce in high uncirculated grades

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight and diameter specifications against a standard scale and caliper; counterfeits are rare for this low-denomination piece unless it is a key date.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor die varieties and potential mint mark variations (M vs S).

Similar coins

Other Philippine centavo denominations from the US administration period (1903-1945).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with cotton gloves if uncirculated. Do not clean, as harsh cleaning ruins numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in archival-safe holders.