A Remarkable Piece of Modern Philippine Numismatic History

This listing offers a remarkable and historically significant piece of modern Philippine numismatics. It is the 1998 5-Piso banknote featuring the first President of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo. This note is part of the New Design Series, or NDS, a landmark currency issue that marked a new era for the Philippine Republic.

This note is in Crisp Uncirculated condition, meaning it has never been folded or used in commerce, retaining its original sharpness, color, and crispness. As an ungraded note, it has not been professionally assessed by a third-party grading service, offering excellent value for collectors.

Historical Context: The New Design Series

When President Ferdinand Marcos' Martial Law was lifted in 1981, the Central Bank of the Philippines began developing a new series of banknotes and coins that would be contemporary and forward looking, adopting the latest trend of anti-counterfeiting features. On June 12, 1985, Philippine Independence Day, the BSP issued the New Design Series, beginning with the 5-piso banknote featuring the face of Emilio Aguinaldo on the obverse side.

Emilio Aguinaldo's First Appearance on Currency

Conspicuously absent from earlier banknote series, Emilio Aguinaldo could not be depicted on currency until after his death in 1964 at age 95. He first appeared on Philippine currency in the 1969 Pilipino Series, though only as a detail on the reverse depicting the Declaration of Independence. It was not until the 1985 New Design Series that Aguinaldo finally received his place as the central portrait on the face of the five-peso note.

The 1998 Centennial Year

The 1998 issue is particularly significant as it coincides with the Centennial of Philippine Independence, the very event depicted on the reverse of this banknote. This makes 1998-dated examples especially desirable for collectors commemorating the 100th anniversary of the nation's declaration of independence from Spain.

Design and Features

Designed by Romeo Mananquil, this 5-Piso note is a beautiful example of the era's engraving and security features. The obverse features a central portrait of Emilio Aguinaldo, who lived from 1869 to 1964, president of the First Philippine Republic at Malolos. The right side displays the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, or NHCP, historical marker in the Barasoain Church, along with a cannon. The marker indicates the foundation of the First Philippine Republic, of which Aguinaldo became president. The text is printed in Filipino, stating Republika ng Pilipinas and Limang Piso. It features the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas seal, updated in 1993.

The reverse depicts Aguinaldo's Declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, showing him waving the Philippine flag before an enthusiastic crowd gathered outside his home in Kawit, Cavite. Security features include a security thread, scattered red and blue visible fibers, a watermark featuring Aguinaldo, and fluorescent printing.

Product Specifications

Country: Philippines
Year: 1998
Denomination: 5 Piso
Series: New Design Series, BSP Series
Condition: Crisp Uncirculated, Ungraded
Size: 160 by 66 millimeters
Material: 90 percent cotton, 10 percent linen
Obverse Design: Portrait of Emilio Aguinaldo
Reverse Design: Declaration of Philippine Independence
Designer: Romeo Mananquil

Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This note carries historical significance, featuring Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, and commemorating the Centennial of Philippine Independence. It is a first of its kind, the first banknote in the New Design Series, issued on June 12, 1985. It represents a discontinued denomination, as printing of the 5-Piso banknote was stopped in 1995 and replaced by coins, making it a finite collectible. It features a beautiful design, with iconic imagery of Philippine independence and history. Most of all, it is in Crisp Uncirculated condition, a pristine example ideal for any collection.

This note is more than currency. It is a remarkable piece of modern Philippine numismatic history, offering a Crisp Uncirculated example of the first banknote in a landmark series featuring the nation's first president. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Notes of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.



Dimensions:
Height 2.6, Width 6.3, Depth 0.004 inches
Weight 0.003 lbs

Condition:
Very Good: Minimal creasing and handling wear. No tears, stains, or major folds.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists

• Low Estimate: 25.00
• High Estimate: 75.00