BSP Series 1 Piso

Country of Origin: Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas)

Year of Issue: 1998

Denomination: 1 Piso (1 Philippine Peso)

Composition: Copper-Nickel

BSP Series 1 Piso

Brief Description

A silver-colored circulation coin from the Philippines featuring the national hero Jose Rizal on the obverse and the logo of the Central Bank on the reverse.

Historical Significance

This coin is part of the 'BSP Series' (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Series), which was the standard coinage of the Philippines from 1995 until 2017. It features Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero whose writings inspired the revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

Estimated Value

$0.05-$0.25 (circulated), $1.00-$2.00 (Uncirculated)

Care Instructions

Avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives; store in a dry location to prevent environmental toning/spotting. Handle by the edges to avoid leaving fingerprints that can etch into the copper-nickel alloy over time.

Mint Mark

None (Produced by the BSP Security Plant Complex in Quezon City)

Mintage & Rarity

Common; high mintage for general circulation.

Weight & Diameter

5.35g / 24.0mm

Edge

Reeded

Apparent Grade

Very Fine / Extremely Fine (clear details but visible minor scratches and circulation wear)

Obverse (Front)

Profile portrait of Dr. Jose Rizal facing right. The text 'REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS' spans the top curve, with '$1$ PISO' and '$1998$' featured near the portrait.

Reverse (Back)

The 1993 Central Bank (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) logo inside a gear-like circle, surrounded by the text 'BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS' and the foundation year '1993'.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Condition and eye appeal are the primary drivers. Most examples from this series hold only face value or minor numismatic premium unless in perfect Uncirculated condition.

Similar Coins

Often confused with the newer 2018+ NGC series 1 Piso which is smaller and made of nickel-plated steel, or the older 'Flora and Fauna' series 1 Piso which was much larger.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for crispness of lettering and the magnetic property (this 1998 issue is non-magnetic, unlike modern steel replacements).

Notable Varieties & Errors

Occasional die cracks or minor off-center strikes can be found but do not add significant value.

Created At: 2026-06-21T23:31:32.263904