The 1859 Philippine pattern series was struck in Madrid as Spain debated a decimal currency reform for its colonial possessions in the Pacific. This 80 reaux copper piece represents one of several denominations tested before the Philippines transitioned to the centavo-based peso system formalized in 1861. Patterns from this specific exercise are extraordinarily rare — most were retained by the Casa de Moneda de Manila or Spanish treasury officials and never entered circulation in any meaningful quantity.
KM#Pn16 is among the least documented of the 1859 pattern group.
The 1859 Philippine pattern series was struck in Madrid as Spain debated a decimal currency reform for its colonial possessions in the Pacific. This 80 reaux copper piece represents one of several denominations tested before the Philippines transitioned to the centavo-based peso system formalized in 1861. Patterns from this specific exercise are extraordinarily rare — most were retained by the Casa de Moneda de Manila or Spanish treasury officials and never entered circulation in any meaningful quantity.
KM#Pn16 is among the least documented of the 1859 pattern group.