5 Important Ways How to Start A Coin Collection

Starting a collection is something one must have passion , dedication or something of sentimental value . One of the most common items collected are coins , paper bills, stamps and postcards. They are easily transported via land, baggage and air.

There is a popular television show Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho last June 4 episode, who featured a coin collector ( Barya Milyones segment ) from Nueva Ecija province, The featured collector collect  loose change from her brother who was a seaman .

They were able to collect a lot of coins with the special feature about the Sacagawea dollar.  There was a high expectation on the part of the coin collector that it was worth millions of pesos,  until the president of Philippine Numismatic and Antiquarian Society (PNAS) was invited to appraise the coins ( face value Php 49. 36 as of June 5 exchange rate) . Much to the dismay of the coin collector.

Japanese coins from different era- personal collection of the author 

Here are the 5 Important Ways to Start a Coin Collection

1.) Motivation – The motivations for collecting are varied. Possibly the most common type of collector is the hobbyist, who amasses a collection purely for fun with no real expectation of profit. This is especially true of casual collectors and children who collect items on the basis of chance and personal interest.

2. ) Passion -Have a passion and try to collect them from KKK – Kaibigan , Kakilala at Kamag-anaks – These connections are necessary to start a collection. Starting a collection may not be an expensive hobby at first, as relatives and friends would always give handy and loose change . Eventually sorting them and making a theme , out of your collection – American regime, Commonwealth, Kings, Queens, Popes etc…

proof set coins minted by Franklin Mint , USA circa late 1970’s  sold before by the Central Bank of the Philippines ( with certificate of authenticity)

3.) Research–  Try to do some research on the coins or items, There are some second hand coin catalogs for sale at several flea market and second hand bookstore . They are categorized by country or by time period. Joining a reputable collecting club is another option . There are a lot of people that have the same passion and hobby .

Some are helpful and will lend a helping hand , BUT some will just tell stories ala Indiana Jones and will sell over priced items.  Joining FB groups , forum sites and peer group will also help.

There are also good places in the Philippines to visit , Money Museum within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas compound at Harrison Plaza in Manila had an interesting collection of coins , banknotes and pre-hispanic items. Appointment is a MUST for those who wanted to visit the museum.

Remember that in the field of numismatic also includes medals, tokens and private issuance of companies. There are also counterfeits of coins, tokens and paper money since time immemorial . Sometimes, they are more expensive than the real counterparts.

There are a lot of coins made in China , India and other parts of the world intended for unsuspecting tourist. My uncle bought some silver coins allegedly from a dealer in Bangkok in one of his foreign trips. The silver coins are supposedly was minted in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Unsuspectingly bought them without properly inspecting the items. It was kept in a bank vault for several decades until his death.

Initially, it was intended to be sold to cover his funeral expenses but upon close inspection, all of the silver coins are fake and with very little silver content. Apparently, they are made using the old techniques of molds.

Even a seasoned coin collector would have a hard time with these items, there were thousands or even millions made to lure unsuspecting tourists.

 Personally , I do not recommend searching some buying sites, since they are  sometimes overpriced and does not reflect the real market value.

Bagong Lipunan bills – mint condition

4.) 4 C’s of Coin Collecting – After amassing the desired quantity, One can start sorting the coin collecting.

Common Themes- It can be based on per country, year collection,mint, period , era and theme.

Condition – Seasoned collectors will always look for the best condition of coins, so avoid holding coin with bare hands and try to buy coin holder , They are available in ordinary cheap paper holder to more expensive ones. They can be bought at a specialty stores in US, UK or HK .

One must also know if the coin are minted as to commemorative or special issuance, One must note that some issues are highly collectible since they commemorate an event and limited in quantity . Government issues like Central Banks are highly sought after by collectors, as to compared to private institutions.

Modern commemorative proof set coin issuance are normally sealed in nice containers with certificate of authenticity issued by the issuing government entity. Do not attempt to remove the coins or items on the containers as they are sealed and will quickly loose its value.

Coins with metallic or intrinsic values like gold, silver, platinum and bronze are collectible and desired by collectors.

Capacity – Remember that at one time , one will buy collectible items. One must always think of the person’s capacity and market value.  Do not try to over buy or hoard items.

Cleaning Coins – Generally , It is not acceptable to clean old coins especially more than 50 years-old and above. Just keep it as is and do not attempt to use abrasive coin cleaners. ( Done that with a couple of silver coins before with my ROTC metal polish before !) ordinary baking soda with mild detergent power will do wonders.

It is also not always the case that an old coin is worth more than the modern coin. There are billions or millions of coins minted and thus sometimes they are not that expensive.  ( author was able to bought a couple of Roman era coins worth about a hundred pesos )

5.) Collect for the Fun and Knowledge – Met a lot of collectors which started with full of zest with their collection.  Buying a lot of  items at flea market , club auction and online sites. Buying them by bulk as if there was no tomorrow.

One collector would even post a weekly update on his facebook page , buying package full at several sites and falsely telling stories that they were heirloom family collection .

I was told that the collector somehow lost his interest in collecting is now selling the items he hoarded.

I used to be a member of the Bank Note Society of the Philippines (BNSP ) for a couple of years during the incumbency of President Cecilio Hodreal . His son is now active in collecting banknotes, coins and stamps.

Note : The author does not engage into buying and selling  of these items.  Only had limited number of coins and paper bill collection. 

Pope Francis Memorabilia and Souvenir Items a Big Hit among Afficionados

University of Santo Tomas , Manila-Philippines

Pope Francis visit to the University of Santo Tomas

When the pastoral visit of Pope Francis was announced in the last quarter of 2014,  People from all walks of life started to look for  Pope-related memorabilia or would just like a memento of Pope Francis’s upcoming visit, vendors and shops have plenty of items for you. Catholic Trade in Tayuman started selling Pope Francis calendars, t-shirts and books became popular items.

 Dapitan street  crowd

I woke -up early at around past 3:30am and commuted from Quezon City to Dimasalang street. When i arrived past 5:00am , long lines already greeted me. Some of the eager crowd where already camping along the vicinity of University of Santo Tomas the day before , while pension houses and dormitories are also cramped with visiting pilgrims and relatives .

Mr. Alfonso Cruz together with his family

I accidentally met Mr. Alfonso Cruz ( stamp and memorabilia collector) . He left his home at around past 2:00am in Malabon City together with almost all the members of his family. He wanted to be blessed by the Pope.

University of Santo Tomas campus ( Gate 10)

Ordinary people had to fall in line along Dapitan street and long line that stretches for more more than a kilometer-long.

a devotee holding santo niño

An ambulant vendor selling Pope Francis key chain

Pope Francis button pins

There are so many kinds of button pins for sale along the Papal route. They are priced between Php 20 to Php 30 each depending on the area .

Some vendors would sell them at a slightly discounted rate of 3 button pins for Php 50 .

calendars and towels

Calendars are being sold from Php 30 to Php 100 depending on the size and materials

Pope Francis t-shirts

In this part of the Sampaloc , T-shirts were selling from Php 150 to Php 300 depending on the sizes and quality of the shirt.

Pope Francis T-shirts

Pope Francis towels and handkerchiefs

Pope Francis busts, key chains and rosaries

Pope Francis foldable fans

Pope Francis calendars

special response unit

Unlike the 1995 Papal visit of then Pope John Paul 2 , the security protocols are quite strict.  Even the nearby condominium units and residential areas were not spared from the inspection and manning by the security forces by PNP, baranggay and volunteer groups.

selfie

I met a group of students waiting patiently in line and using their mobile camera to record everything. They are standing along España corner Moret street  in Sampaloc.

army in fatigue uniforms

Despite the large crowds and strict security protocols , Some still manage to brought umbrellas and pointed objects .

crowd eagerly waiting for the arrival of the pope

It was very festive and almost everyone is very happy . I met a small contingent from San Mateo , Rizal

Mr. Angelo Diego Castro

I also met some celebrities along the papal route, One of them is Mr. Angelo Diego Castro , a popular teenage celebrity in the mid 1990’s . His daily show and weekly shows includes Gimik, Esperanza and TGIS in ABS-CBN channel 2  and GMA channel 7. He is the son of ABS-CBN channel 2 anchor Mr. Angelo Castro, Jr and EDSA People Power  1986 radio announcer Ms. June Keithley Castro.  I think he is together with his wife and immediate friends.

University of Santo Tomas -Gate # 4

It started to rain by the time Pope Francis and his convoy entered the main gate , Everybody shouted on top of their lungs and took their gadgets to record the momentous occasion. Some older people even started crying, It was not in despair or anguish . But it was tears of joy and celebration.

We waited for more several hours and under the rains. Nobody complained , But i saw several people that fainted . According to one devotee ” Para kang nakarating sa Roma” It is like you have went to Rome .

people walked from UST en-route to Luneta via Quezon Avenue underpass

I was able to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis visit to the University of Santo Tomas and his route along Quirino Avenue . The busy street of Manila is a beehive of people. My.conservative crowd estimate within UST , Dapitan, Lacson , España and Governor Forbes would easily be more than 200,000 from 5:00am to past 12noon.

The problem with big events like Papal visit , transportation like LRT is full to its capacity and LRT Quirino station is – NO loading and Unloading zone ( for security purposes). We have to wait for more than 30 minutes at the Doroteo station , so we decided to walk the Rizal Avenue going to Luneta.

Santa Cruz bridge or Mac Arthur bridge

Alternative transportation such as tricycles, pedicabs, kalesas ( horse drawn carriage) became a hit, normally they are banned from plying major street thoroughfares .

message to Pope Francis collage within Plaza Lawton / Liwasang Bonifacio

The rains are not strong but the cool air Northeast Monsoon  ( Amihan ) that worries some people.

News 9 crew stationed near Finance  Building ( National Museum for Filipino People )

Poncho type raincoats were also a big- hit among the rain drench crowd. They are sold between Php 35 ( ordinary ones ) to Php 200 .

crowd waiting near LRT Quirino station

Pope Francis block of 4 Php 10 each

Philippine Postal Corporation and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also started to sell commemorative stamps and coins to mark the special occasion.

Pope Francis coinage stamps with face value of Php 200

This is a collective voice from a lot of ordinary stamp , coin and memorabilia collectors , We had to endure long lines just to buy stamps at the main post office, We have to wait for several days from January 12,13, 14  just to purchase the much coveted coinage stamp from Manila Central Post Office . We also had to endure a non-responsive email from Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for our short list of orders .  While the author got several hundreds of email from fellow stamp and even coin collectors asking where to buy or asking the author to buy for them .

Php 50 coin being sold at Php 100 and Php 500 being sold at Php 1,000 by BSP

I also got some angry responses from fellow stamp collectors residing even in Metro Manila that their local post offices did not even have the Pope Francis stamps.  We all know that there is already a steady decline in the stamp collectors nationwide. BUT this is different , I personally believe that distribution to local post offices is the key to the solution . MORE stamp printed , the More people from all walks of life can enjoy the hobby.

In a recent television interview by a well-known stamp collector/ dealer  ( one at ANC channel and another one at Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho ) . The prices of the stamps had already doubled and even tripled from the face value of the item.  ( Some greedy bunch of grumpy people )

* Note: With the mad frenzy for Pope Francis memorabilia items , We collectors must always remember that the main purpose of his visit to the country is Mercy and  Compassion .  Learn to share whatever small items and blessing that we received .

Website Links:

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas : http://www.bsp.gov.ph/

Philippine Postal Corporation :https://www.phlpost.gov.ph/

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued a commemorative 150th Andres Bonifacio’s Ten Peso coin

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ( BSP)

 150th Andres Bonifacio Php 10.00 commemorative coin-

The Central Bank of the Philippines issued a coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio was issued Tuesday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Bonifacio’s face on the obverse (front side) of the coin is accompanied by the words “Republika ng Pilipinas 2013“, while the reverse side of the coin carries Bonifacio’s signature, an image of the Bonifacio monument, and the words “Dangal at Kabayanihan.”

Features

a. Designs:
– Obverse: Portrait of Andres Bonifacio with the following markings:
“10 Piso”, “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS”, and Yearmark “2013”
– Reverse: New Seal of the BSP with the following markings: “150 Years”, “1863-2013”, “Signature of Andres Bonifacio”, “DANGAL AT KABAYANIHAN,” and the Bonifacio Monument

b. Denomination / Face Value: 10-Piso

c. Specifications:
– Material: Existing 10-Piso coin blanks (bi-metal)
– Metallic Composition and Color:
a) Ring – 75% Cu, 25% Ni / Grayish White
b) Core – 92% Cu, 6% Al, 2% Ni / Yellow
– Shape: Round
– Weight: 8.70 grams
– Diameter: 26.50 millimeters
– Edge: Milled

d. Mintage (quantity): 10 million pieces, of which 20,000 pieces will be packed Brilliant Uncirculated coins

The issuance of the coin was recommended by the Monetary Board and approved by the Office of the President.

The regular P10 coin features the heads of Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini. Mabini’s own sesquicentennial will be celebrated next year.

The circulation of the Bonifacio commemorative coin will “highlight the nationwide celebration” of one of the Philippines’ greatest heroes, the BSP said in a statement.

Links:

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/

 

University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Stamp launch

University of Santo Tomas started its jubilant celebration last January 27, 2011 . This school marked its 400-year anniversary and taking another  milestone in Philippine history.

Arch of the Centuries – The arch is presently locate some 15 meters from the main building and serves as one of the landmarks of the university .

it serves as the link of the campus with its Intramuros roots and its Spanish heritage. It has become a symbol of learning—the portal to greatness under which students and alumni (such as Rizal, Mabini, Manuel Quezon and Sergio Osmeña) have passed. 

The Arch of the Centuries was originally erected in 1611 at Intramuros , where UST was originally found. After the war ,  the historical arch was transferred to its present location at Sampaloc , the Arch was also carried piece-by-piece and was re-erected at the front of the main vehicular entrance of the University.

The original Arch ( which was originally  faces the main building was built from Philippine adobe or volcanic tuff  quarried from Makati and Bulacan ).  The  arch served as a  main passageway to the university building before it was destroyed during the closing days of the Second World War ,  when it was still at Intramuros. A newer arch facing  España Boulevard, which is a reconstruction of the original arch.

The Arch contains Doric columns  but is Baroque  in its details. The inscription on the arch says “Gateway to the History of the finest breed of Filipinos,” a reference to the numerous alumni  who have made an impact in Philippine history. On the left pillar of the facade facing España Boulevard is commemorative plaque honoring National Hero Dr. Jose Protacio  Mercado Rizal y Realonda , and on the right pillar is another plaque honoring President Manuel Luis Quezon , both being UST alumni. The arch was recently been declared in 2010 as National Treasures by the National Museum of the Philippines.

On the sides at the top of the Arch are panels depicting the life of Saint  Thomas of Aquinas , the patron saint of the University and of all Catholic schools.

All incoming students (freshmen and transferees), as parts of their initiation rites into the University, known as the Thomasian Welcome Walk are required to pass through under the Arch. Candidates for graduation, on the other hand, also pass through under the Arch during a parade after their Baccalaureate Mass.

This tradition started on June 2002. Fireworks display ends the passage and signals the party afterward. The parade, either of freshmen or graduating seniors, is done per college/faculty in random order. There is an old superstition that while studying at the University, one should not pass under the arch until he graduates. If done so, an event will happen that will bar his graduation from the University.

National Artist for Literature 2001 – Mr. Francisco Sionil Jose and wife were among the VIPs , He is also an outstanding UST alumna

Part of the celebration is the unveiling of a 10-meter sculpture commissioned by the UST management by a well-known UST graduate Architect Ramon Orlina to create the “ Quattro Mondial which consists of four human figures each representing four centuries of excellence.  Upon the four figures rest like GLOBE, it tilts 23.5 in constant motion and at the same time perpetually facing the North Star, which is the brightest star in the constellation.

The globe represents the event of globalization of the university in which produced several Philippine Presidents, alumni from all over the world, foreign students from different parts of the world.

UST quadricentennial flag

One of the male sculpture which symbolizes “ EXCELLENCE” was modeled after Mr. Piolo Pascual a famous actor and a commercial endorser, While another female sculpture which symbolizes “ ERUDITION” was modeled after Mrs. Charlene Gonzales- Muhlach a B.S. Psychology graduate and a top 6 finalist in the Miss Universe beauty pageant held in Manila on May 21, 1994. After all, this prestigious university had produced some of the country’s top beauty pageant winners to name a few.

Mr. Orestes Ojeda, whose real name is Mr. Luis Pagalilauan , a veteran actor , artist and  entrepreneur  pose for a souvenir shot with Philpost employees

Mr. Orestes Ojeda was introduced in the movie, “Zoom Zoom Superman,” starring Ariel Ureta in 1973. From then on until “Sanib,” directed by Celso Ad. Castillo in 2003, the actor acted in films of all genres—action, comedy, sex, drama, horror  (almost 70 films in 38 years)! He has been directed by important filmmakers like Ishmael Bernal in “Broken Marriage” and “City After Dark,” Celso Ad. Castillo in his trail-blazing “Nympha,” and Lino Brocka in “Inay.”

Mr. Ramon Orlina’s sculpture before the unveiling ceremonies

Another statute that symbolizes  “ SPIRITUALITY ” a Dominican Priest, by Rev. Father Rolando dela Rosa, O.P. Rector of UST and the fourth statute that symbolizes “ TRADITION” for academics had Ms. Monina Orlina –Mr. Ramon Orlina daughter as a model.

According to Architect Orlina, It took over one and a half year to finish.  The statute that he himself had conceptualized, designed, executed. The statute was made from cast bronze, solid glass blocks and the base is from marble.  His works was unveiled formally to the public just in time for his birthday. Lavish fireworks capped the ceremonies, while famous UST alumni, faculties, friends, media, ambassadors among others.

Over 50 flea market style tents which  sells from commemorative t-shirts to pre-paid cellphone load. There were some promotional booths  giving away freebies like bottled energy drink , chocolate wafer , candies and vitamins.

Just like any celebration, the  bazaar which enterprising students , corporation can realize their entrepreneurial skills  .  Some of  tenants  are also alumni of the university, Like Perfume magnate  Mr. Joel Cruz   and various UST institutes had been selling a lot of memorabilia’s from commemorative key chains, T-shirt, caps, mugs, books,  pre-paid load, UST SIM cards , perfume and  even an on- the spot job fair !

A proud Thomasian wore a UST Growling Tiger head gear with matching yellow t-shirt

The festive atmosphere, with hundred  thousand  Christmas lights dangling from the  old- acacia and narra tress.   Thousands of alumni and invited guests  from all walks of life filled the campus grounds. There was a concert at the nearby track and field .

Philippine Postal Corporation employees led by Mr. Luis Carlos , Mrs. Elenita San Diego, Mrs. Josefina T. Cura – Filipinas Stamp Collectors’ Club founder  and the author  pose for a souvenir shot

While waiting for the stamp launch, the author had some time having some private conversations  with some Philpost employees and the  alumni . The author  took the opportunity in taking some photograph of the special  framed  commemorative stamps. There are only 100,000 stamps and about 10,200 pieces of  souvenir sheet stamps with Mr. Ramon Orlina’s  “ Quattro Modial “ sculpture  was featured on the issue.

Ms. Cory Quirino , Mr. Piolo Pascual and Architect Ramon Orlina

Ms. Cory Quirino is a fitness , health and wellness guru ,  a lifestyle television host , crime crusader and now Miss Philippines – World franchise holder were  among the hundreds of VIPs invited to grace the event.  Beside is Mr. Piolo Pascual a television host , actor, commercial model and Architect Ramon Orlina .

Mr. Orlina was once a board member of the Stamp Advisory Committee of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

The UST commemorative stamps issue were almost sold-out already at the Philpost.

“ It is a pity that they only issued few thousand pieces of UST commemorative stamps” according to one of the alumni who wanted to buy the stamp during the launch.

Mrs. Carlene Gonzales- Muhlach with throngs of reporters, adoring fans

The official time of the ceremonies was further extended to past 6:00 pm  due to the huge crowd and media that gathered in the event. With much anticipation, screaming and  giggling voices from the students and guests  that accompanied the arrival of Mr. Piolo Pascual and Mrs. Charlene Gonzales- Muhlach.

With much fanfare and lavish ceremonies , The  formal unveiling of the stamps and  of the statute was almost held simultaneously. The ceremonies  also coincide with Mr. Ramon Orlina’s  birthday celebration.  There is portion within the centennial plaza were an evening buffet was served to the selected guests and alumni.

The author had a memorable experience in this stamp launch .

History:

“The University of Santo Tomas gratefully looks back to July 24,1605, when Bishop Miguel de Benavides, O.P., the third Archbishop of Manila bequeathed a modest amount from his personal funds and his personal library collection for use in the establishment of a ‘seminary-college’ to prepare young men for the priesthood.

“Thus, on April 28, 1611, the Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Santisimo Rosario, later named Colegio de Santo Tomas, was born in its original campus within the walled city called Intramuros.

“On November 20, 1645, the College was elevated to the rank of a University by Pope Innocent X. King Charles of Spain granted the title “Royal University” to UST in 1785, for the exceptional loyalty shown by its administration and students who volunteered to defend Manila against the British invasion.

“On September 17, 1902, Pope Leo XIII made the University of Santo Tomas a “Pontifical University” and in 1947, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon it the title “The Catholic University of the Philippines.”

“The continuing increase in enrolment prompted the administration in 1927 to relocate the University in its present site in the Sampaloc district, along Espana St, Manila, which covers 21.5 hectares.

“Inspired by its rich history, spurred on to impart wisdom and knowledge, enthused by noteworthy accomplishments, the University has remained steadfastly responsive to the needs and issues of the time as they occur, whether in the Philippines or elsewhere in the world.

“Today, the University campus is considered a historic site and is a recognizable landmark in Manila and the country.”

Technical description of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) 400 Years (1611-2011) “Unending Grace” stamps are as follows:

Kind of Issue: Commemorative

Denomination and Quantity: Php7.00 / 100,000 pieces

Date of Issue: January 25, 2011

Last date of Sale: January 24, 2012 (or as stocks allow)

Size: 40 mm x 30 mm.

Sheet Composition: 40 (4 x 10)

Souvenir Sheet: Php 37.00 / 10,200 pieces

Size of Souvenir Sheet: 110 mm. x 75 mm.

Perforation: 14

Printing process: Litho offset

Paper: Imported Unwatermarked

Printer: Amstar Company, Inc.

Designers: UST Quadricentennial Committee headed by
Rev. Fr. Rolando V. de la Rosa, O.P.
Rector, University of Santo Tomas

Photos: Donald Tapan

Design Layout Artist: Jesus Alfredo Delos Santos

Designer of Souvenir Sheet: Ramon Orlina
Designer of Souvenir Folder: Jonathan Gamalinda

Design Coordinators: Dr. Ngo Tiong Tak
Jonathan Gamalinda

Designs: Three of the block of four stamp designs of the 400 years Commemorative Stamps for UST are edifices or buildings which are considered National Cultural Treasures.

The Main Building of the  University of Santo Tomas  (UST) in Sampaloc, Manila functions as the university’s administrative center and home of the Faculty of Civil Law, Faculty  of Pharmacy  and the College of Science. The Main Building is also the home of the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

Design 1 which shows the Main Building during at night time

Design 2, featured  UST Central Seminary and Chapel

Design 3, shows Arch of the Centuries with 400 year logo

Design 4 features the Painting entitled, “The Foundation of the University of Santo Tomas,” by Archbishop Benavides.

The Souvenir Sheet features the design of Ramon Orlina that shows the Quattro Mondial Monument and Benavides Monument done in 1889 by Tony Noel with the University of Santo Tomas logo and the Main Building.

commemorative items

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will be releasing 10 million copies of the bill amounting to P2 billion, and 400 commemorative medals. BSP officials said the 200-peso bill will be legal tender but the medals will have no value.

Interesting note is that former President Diosdado Macapagal that is  featured on the 200-peso bill is one of the university most distinguished alumna.

The bills feature the Quadricentennial logo (tongues of fire forming the letters U, S and T emanating from the Main Building) on the dorsal portion, while the medals bear the engraved image of Msgr. Miguel de Benavides, O.P., founder of UST and third archbishop of Manila. The central bank will also release 400 special copies of two uncut 200-peso bills equal to P400, matching UST’s years of existence.

Both the commemorative paper bills and stamps are highly collectible since they are only issued on a limited number. But it totally depends on the budget of the collector.

Sources and Reference :

University of Santo Tomas : http://www.ust.edu.ph/

Philpost: http://www.philpost.gov.ph/web/ust-400-years-1611-2011-%E2%80%9Cunending-grace%E2%80%9D-commemorative-stamps/

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas : http://www.bsp.gov.ph/