Owner Comments:
Philippines - 1961 Half Peso - KM #191 - Mintage: 100,000 (All struck in June, 1961 by the Philadelphia Mint)
Jose Rizal Commemorative Half Pesos were minted by the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. This and the companion Peso of the same year were issued as a set and were the first of many coins to come bearing the image of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. According to Aldo P. Basso in his book "Coins, Medals, And Tokens of the Philippines 1728 - 1974" 2nd Edition (1975), "A U.S. coin dealer purchased 70,000 of the Rizal Sets and has melted 42,000 Half Pesos and 32,000 Pesos."
While it's relatively easy to find one of these coins in uncirculated condition, it's very difficult to find one in this grade. Virtually all uncirculated examples of this coin and the companion One Peso are extremely beaten up with very heavy gouges and scratches in the face of Dr. Rizal. This particular coin is no exception, but the defects are minimal and it has great eye appeal. As of this revision, the NGC population for this coin is 5/0 and the PCGS population is 1/2.
Date acquired: 4/23/2011 (Already graded by NGC)
Rev. 10/8/2018