New one-peso coins commemorate Rizal's 150th birthday

Saturday, December 10, 2011

THE government will produce ten million pieces of a newly-minted coin featuring Dr. Jose Rizal, the national hero, as part of efforts to commemorate his 150th birthday.

The new coin will have the same size (24 millimeters in diameter) and weight (5.35 grams) of the current one-peso coins in circulation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said in a statement posted at its website.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The coin's face will feature the hero's portrait and will have the markings "150 years," "Republika ng Pilipinas," and "1861-2011," the BSP statement added.

Etched on the reverse side will be the would be new BSP seal, “1-piso” and “2011.”

The Office of the President and BSP’s Monetary Board, the central bank's policy making body, have both approved the issuance of the coin.

The BSP, the only entity allowed to issue, circulate, and retire Philippine currency, also paid tribute to Dr. Rizal through an exhibit last June.

"Rizal in Our Midst: A Homage to Greatness" showcased coins and banknotes ranging from five centavos to 100 pesos since 1903 where Rizal’s image or monument appears. (Sunnex)