1903-S Peso U.S. Philippines PCGS AU53

Key Features:

Certification and Grade:

• PCGS AU53:
  • About Uncirculated (AU) grade, with slight wear visible on the high points of the design.
  • Retains most of its original mint luster, with attractive eye appeal for collectors.

Specifications:

• Year: 1903.
• Mint: San Francisco (S), as indicated by the mintmark.
• Composition:
  • Silver Content: 80% (0.7850 oz of actual silver weight).
  • Copper Content: 20%.
• Diameter: 38 mm.
• Weight: 26.95 grams.
• Edge: Reeded.

Design:

Obverse:

• Features Lady Liberty, wearing a flowing gown, striking an anvil with a hammer.
• A backdrop of Mt. Mayon, an iconic Philippine volcano, symbolizes the natural beauty and power of the Philippines.
• Inscription: “ONE PESO” and the year 1903.

Reverse:

• Displays the United States Shield and Eagle, emphasizing the U.S. territorial authority over the Philippines at the time.
• Inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the S (San Francisco) mintmark.

Historical Context:

• Colonial Period:
  • Following the Spanish-American War (1898), the Treaty of Paris ceded the Philippines to the U.S. This peso was part of a series minted specifically for the Philippines under U.S. administration.
• Economic Role:
  • The peso served as a key denomination in the Philippine economy, aligning with the global silver standard of the time.
• Cultural Influence:
  • The designs reflect both American influence (eagle and shield) and Philippine identity (Mt. Mayon and Lady Liberty).

Conclusion:

The 1903-S Peso U.S. Philippines PCGS AU53 is a coin that combines historical importance with aesthetic and monetary value. Its grade indicates a well-preserved piece with minimal wear, making it an excellent addition to collections focusing on U.S.-Philippine coinage, early 20th-century history, or global silver coins.