Owner Comments:
KM-1 - Culion Leper Colony, Philippine Commission of Public Health - 1913 1/2 Centavo - Mintage: 17,000
Struck in Aluminum with a diameter of 19.5mm.
Allen #: C-1
McFadden #: 750
Basso #: 225
Shafer #: SL-1
This is the only 1/2 Centavo coin minted for use in the Culion Leper Colony. It is part of the first issue of coins minted for the colony in 1913 by the private firm of Frank & Company in Manila. The six denominations in this first issue were 1/2C, 1C, 5C, 10C, 20C, and Peso, all minted in Aluminum with the same simple design. The obverse is composed of the denomination surrounded by the text "CULION LEPER COLONY" above and "PHILIPPINE ISLANDS" below. The reverse consists of a rather crude rendering of a Caduceus as the central element surrounded by the words "BUREAU OF HEALTH," two separating stars and the date. All of the reference sources (except McFadden) designate the obverse and reverse this way, but NGC places the reverse facing the front of the holder. I personally prefer the NGC designation, but will go with the majority of reference books for consistency.
The half centavo denomination proved to be as unpopular in the Culion Leper Colony as was the regular issue half centavo in the general population. Few, if any were placed into circulation which is why so many uncirculated specimens are still available today. Considering the reception by the general population in 1903 and 1904, it is surprising that this denomination was even minted in 1913.
Aluminum coinage did not hold up well in the hot and humid climate of the Philippines, so even uncirculated coins may appear hazy, mottled or lightly corroded. This particular coin is relatively well preserved with minimal markings.
There are no varieties reported for this issue/denomination.
Date acquired: 7/4/2013 (raw coin)
Date graded: 8/22/2013 (self submitted to NGC)
References:
• "United States Territorial Coinage for the Philippine Islands" by Neil Shafer, Whitman Publishing Company Racine, Wisconsin, 1961: 41-45
• "Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines 1728-1974" by Aldo P. Basso, second edition Bookman Printing House, Quezon City, 1975: 76-80
• "The Numismatic Aspects of Leprosy" by R.R. McFadden, J. Grost, and D.F. Marr, D.C. McDonald Associates, Inc., 1993: 58-69
• "Standard Catalog of World Coins" by Krause & Mischler (Identifies coins by their "KM" number 1-18 and A5.)
Rev. 9/15/2013