United States Administration Philippines One Centavo

Philippines (under United States Administration) · 1913

A copper-colored bronze coin featuring a man seated at an anvil with a volcano in the background on the reverse, and the American shield and eagle on the obverse.

Country: Philippines (under United States Administration)
Year: 1913
Denomination: One Centavo
Metal: Bronze (95% Copper, 5% Tin and 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.

Identified June 4, 2026More philippines (under united states administration) coins →

Explore United States Administration Philippines One Centavo in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A copper-colored bronze coin featuring a man seated at an anvil with a volcano in the background on the reverse, and the American shield and eagle on the obverse.

Historical significance

Minted during the period of American Sovereignty in the Philippines (1898-1946). These coins were designed by Melecio Figueroa and were part of the effort to stabilize the Philippine economy under US rule.

Obverse (front)

An eagle with spread wings perched atop a shield with stripes (US Coat of Arms), surrounded by 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and the date '1913'.

Reverse (back)

A native Filipino man seated by an anvil holding a hammer, with Mt. Mayon volcano in the background. Inscribed 'ONE CENTAVO' and 'FILIPINAS'.

Estimated value

$0.50-$2.00 in circulated (G-VG) condition, $5-$10 in EF, and $25-$50+ in Mint State.

What drives this coin's value

Mainly condition and luster. High-grade specimens with original red copper luster command the highest prices. Corrosion or heavy 'verdigris' (green spots) visible on this coin reduce value.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine. The figure, anvil, and eagle show moderate wear with most major details still visible, though the surfaces appear dark and potentially chemically aged or environmental.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Approximately 1,300,000 to over 5,000,000 depending on mint records for various 1913 batches. It is a common date for the series.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic coins have sharp details in the volcano's smoke and the man's hair. Check the weight (5.18g) and diameter (24mm) to ensure they match official specs.

Notable varieties & errors

There are no major recognized die varieties for the 1913 year, but collectors look for 'Red' (unoxidized) versus 'Brown' (circulated) surface designations.

Similar coins

The Half Centavo is smaller and looks similar; later years (1937+) have a slightly modified Commonwealth coat of arms on the obverse.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes original surface patina and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival holder.