Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including Coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the exchange of goods.
In this regard, I have considered myself as Numismatist as I have ample amount of collection of coins both loacally from the Philippines and abroad especially the United States of America.
In this article, I will share to you one of the latest addition to my collection, the Pope Francis Commemorative Coin with both 50 Peso and 500 Peso face value.
To commemorate the state and pastoral visit of Pope Francis, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) today announced the issuance of limited edition 50-piso and 500-piso papal coins. Both coins are legal tender and will be sold for P100.00 and P1,000.00, respectively, to cover production, packaging and other costs. The coins are minted under a licensing agreement with the Vatican.
As a matter of policy, the BSP commemorates significant events in our country’s history through the minting of coins, medals or overprints on our banknotes. Papal commemorative coins were also issued for the 1970 visit of Pope Paul VI, and for the 1981 and 1995 papal visits of Pope John Paul II.
The 50-piso Commemorative Coin for Pope Francis is made of Nickel Brass while the 500-piso is made of Nordic Gold with gold plating. Featured on both coins are:
On the obverse:
• The portrait of Pope Francis
• The markings:
o “Republika ng Pilipinas”, “Pope Francis”
o Signature of Pope Francis
o The Denomination
o Yearmark “2015”
o BSP Mint Mark
On the reverse:
• The BSP seal
• The markings:
o “Papal Visit/Philippines”
o Date of Visit “January 15-19, 2015”
o Logo of the Papal Visit 2015
o Mini letters “Mercy and Compassion”
However, the BSP will soon again release two more Pope Francis Commemorative Coin namely the 1,000 and 10,000 Peso face value.
Two more coins -- 1,000-peso and 10,000-peso -- will be launched in May of 2016. The 1,000-peso coin will be made of 92.5 percent sterling silver, while the 10,000-peso, 91.6 percent gold.
The special coins, whose design was made under a licensing agreement with the Vatican, are legal tender and will be sold twice their face value to cover production and other costs.
Those interested in purchasing the coins can download the reserve forms from the BSP website and send them to [email protected]. The central bank will receive orders only until end-June of this year.
The central bank will send e-mails stating the payment date and when the coins can be picked up from the BSP.
The BSP also issued commemorative coins during Papal visits in 1970 (Pope Paul VI), 1981 and 1995 (both Pope John Paul II).
I already have the 1995 Pope John Paul II coin as it was the celebration of World Youth Day during that time, and I'm one of the proud youth who celebrated the event here in the Philippines.
I already have the 1995 Pope John Paul II coin as it was the celebration of World Youth Day during that time, and I'm one of the proud youth who celebrated the event here in the Philippines.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed as I wanted to get my hands on those two new Pope Francis Commemorative Coins! Wish me Luck ;-)
Cheerio!
