One Peso (US-Administration Period)

United States for the Philippine Islands · 1909

Large silver peso featuring a standing female figure striking an anvil with a volcano in the background on one side, and an American eagle over a shield on the other.

Country: United States for the Philippine Islands
Year: 1909
Denomination: 1 Peso
Metal: 0.8000 Silver, 0.2000 Copper

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

Large silver peso featuring a standing female figure striking an anvil with a volcano in the background on one side, and an American eagle over a shield on the other.

Historical significance

Struck during the American colonial period of the Philippines following the Spanish-American War, designed by Filipino artist Melecio Figueroa to stabilize the local currency and link it to the US gold standard.

Obverse (front)

A standing female figure (representing the Philippines) holding a hammer resting on an anvil, with the active Mayon Volcano in the right background. Legend reads 'ONE PESO FILIPINAS'.

Reverse (back)

American eagle with outstretched wings perched atop a shield bearing stripes and stars, surrounded by the legend 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the date '1909' with the 'S' mint mark.

Estimated value

$30-$80 in circulated condition, $100-$300+ in uncirculated grade

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade/wear, presence of cleaning or surface scratches, and specific mint mark or year key dates (such as the 1906-S or lower mintage proof issues).

Grade assessment

About Fine to Very Fine (moderate wear on high points of the design such as the woman's hair and folds of her dress, but lettering and major features remain clear)

Mintage & rarity

Mintage of 6,170,000 for the 1909-S issue; considered relatively common in lower grades but scarce in high mint state.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight and dimensions precisely against specifications. Look for cast-counterfeit bubbles, incorrect reeding, or magnet attraction (silver is non-magnetic).

Notable varieties & errors

Small S vs Large S mint mark varieties exist for certain years in this series, as well as occasional repunched mint marks.

Similar coins

Philippine 50 Centavos of the same series, and US Morgan or Peace dollars due to the similar silver size and weight.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in inert holders like mylar flips or PVC-free capsules. Never clean, wash, or wipe the coin to preserve its original surface and numismatic value.