1961 Philippines Silver Peso

Jose Rizal Centennial – 90% Silver Crown

Some coins whisper history.

This one weighs 26 grams and doesn’t bother whispering.

Struck in 1961, this large silver peso commemorates the 100th anniversary of the birth of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. A physician, writer, and reformist, Rizal became a symbol of the independence movement after his execution by Spanish authorities in 1896. By the time the Philippines honored him with this coin a century after his birth, his legacy was already cemented in history.

And what better way to celebrate a national hero than putting him on a big chunk of silver.

Coin Details 

• Country: Philippines
• Year: 1961
• Denomination: One Peso
• Composition: 90% Silver / 10% Copper
• Weight: 26 grams
• Actual Silver Weight: 0.7516 Troy oz
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Mintage: ~2,000,000

At nearly ¾ of a troy ounce of silver, this crown-size coin carries serious silver weight while still being an attractive collectible.

Design

Obverse: Portrait of José Rizal with the dates 1861–1961, marking the centennial of his birth.

Reverse: The Central Bank of the Philippines coat of arms featuring an eagle, lion, and the radiant Philippine sun—symbols reflecting the nation’s history and identity.

Why Collectors Like It

This coin checks all the boxes:

• Large crown-size silver coin

• Historical commemorative issue

• Nearly 0.75 oz of silver

Collectors appreciate the history.

Stackers appreciate the silver.

Either way, it’s a classic piece of mid-20th century world silver coinage from a time when money was still made from something real.