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2 Pesos - Isabella II Obverse Trial
| Issuer | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Year | 1859 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Milled |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a mirror image of the obverse die, showing the same left-facing laureate effigy of Queen Isabella II in incuse or reversed relief, with the surrounding legend and date likewise appearing as a laterally inverted impression. This unusual configuration is characteristic of an obverse trial striking, where the obverse die was used in place of the reverse to test the die's design and strike quality. The beaded border and dentilation are consistent with the obverse. |
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| Additional information |
This piece is an obverse trial strike — produced not for circulation but to test and approve the obverse die before committing to full production in the intended metal. The Philippines in 1859 remained under Spanish colonial administration, and coinage intended for the islands was struck at Manila under direct Crown authority. Trial pieces in gold-plated copper allowed assayers and mint officials to evaluate die quality and relief without expending gold blanks.
Very few such trials were preserved outside official channels. Most were destroyed or melted once the die was approved.