Inspirational Ladies
Lady Liberty
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PHILIPPINES UNDER U.S. SOVEREIGNTY |
| Item Description: |
50C 1904 USA-PHIL |
| Full Grade: |
NGC PF 62 |
| Owner: |
coinsbygary |
Owner Comments:
The Philippines were acquired by the United States in 1899 as part of a treaty with Spain ending the Spanish-American War. In 1901, the military government gave way to a civilian administration with a need for new coinage. Starting in 1903 and minted at Philadelphia and San Francisco, coins for the fledgling Philippine government were issued in denominations of 1 peso and 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, ½ centavos, whereas 100 centavos are equal to 1 peso.
The obverse of this PF-62 1904, 50 Centavo coin features “Lady Liberty” striking an anvil with a hammer symbolizing the work done by the United States in establishing a progressive Philippines. The model for Lady Liberty used on this coin may have been Blanca, the daughter of the coins’ designer Melecio Figueroa. The erupting volcano in the background of the coins’ obverse is Mt. Mayon and the reverse design shows an eagle perched on a union shield representing the arms of the US Territories.