Tovic Salvador

Spanish-Philippines historic piece Firme V Feliz Por La Union and the iconic Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5000 gold coin. Josh Mercado

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Josh Mercado

<p>Every year, collectors, industry leaders, and enthusiasts from all over the Philippines look forward to Minted MNL&#x27;s annual historic auction event, put together by Sigrid Carandang.</p><p>Known for its record-breaking auctions, high-profile displays, and unprecedented attendance, Minted MNL concluded the two-day event with the Spanish-Philippines historic piece Firme V Feliz Por La Union and the iconic Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5000 gold coin in the spotlight.</p><p>In true Minted MNL fashion, the company shattered records once more, selling the historic piece for $116,800 or P6 million, while the Marcos coins went for $24,528 or P1.4 million (red edition) and $11, 680 or 686k php (blue edition).</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>The history of Firme V Feliz Por La Union</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763860828074image0.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Spanish-Philippines historic piece Firme V Feliz Por La Union. <em>Josh Mercado </em></span></span></span></div><p>The Firme V Feliz Por La Union was issued by Decree of December 20, 1834, and was suppressed on March 31, 1837.</p><p>An exceptionally rare and historically significant survivor of the volatile monetary period in the Spanish Philippines, the coin proudly exhibits both crowned Y. II. imprints, one on either side of the perforation, with an older F7O mark conspicuously displayed in the center of the obverse. The countermarks are strongly impressed and distinct, with the secondary YII displaying some flattening from the host&#x27;s previous piercings. Surfaces display a pleasing pewter-gray patina with light iridescence in the protected areas, adding to the coin&#x27;s overall visual appeal.</p><div><br/></div><p>Following the ruling dated August 27, 1834, holed coins were declared no longer legal tender, causing local turmoil. The Manila authorities responded with the September 4, 1834 decree, revalidating pierced coins once double-countermarked, one on each side of the hole with the new crowned YII mark representing Queen Isabella II. The current specimen perfectly exemplifies this regulation, demonstrating compliance through both strikes over the perforation.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Marcos 5000 Piso gold coin</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763860901936image2.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5000 gold coin. <em>Josh Mercado</em></span></span></span></div><p>The Marcos gold coin in red edition, which sold for P1.4 million, is one of the country’s most exclusive and visually appealing commemoratives. With a mintage of only 100 pieces, it is the Marcos era&#x27;s rarest gold release, as well as one of the most scarce Philippine coins since independence.</p><p>The obverse depicts superbly detailed busts of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos against a rich ruby-red enameled field, representing strength and vision. The reverse features the issuing authority&#x27;s national arms, denomination, and inscriptions, exemplifying the sophisticated elegance and grandeur of Franklin Mint craftsmanship in 1970.</p><p>The coin&#x27;s huge 68.74-gram weight and 50-millimeter diameter give it a dominating presence, with the craftsmanship expressing both technical ambition and ceremonial grandeur, making it a physical symbol of the junction of state commemoration, artistry, and political legacy.</p><p>Meanwhile, the Marcos gold coin blue edition is one of the most iconic and sought-after modern commemoratives in Philippine numismatics. The blue edition, issued in 1975 as part of the national commemorative series honoring the leadership and legacy of the late president and former first lady, serves as the normal proof release in the 5000 Piso program, complementing the ultra-limited red edition.</p><p>With a mintage of 2,832 pieces, this edition remains one of the lowest gold proof issues of the era. Many pieces were reputedly melted or destroyed following political transitions, increasing their rarity and value among collectors of Philippine modern gold.</p><p>The obverse features finely detailed images of the political couple in high relief gold against a deep blue enameled backdrop, representing stability, vision, and leadership. The reverse shows the value P5000 and the Republic&#x27;s national emblems, confirming the coin&#x27;s official commemorative and legal tender status.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763861009136image8.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Minted MNL year-end show. <em>Josh Mercado</em></span></span></span></div><p>Under the theme &quot;A Heritage Reimagined,&quot; Carandang advised newbie collectors to learn more about the background of each coin, paper money, medal, token, trading card, and antique before beginning the hobby.</p><p>The Minted MNL year-end show took place at the Westin Manila.</p>

<p>Minted MNL closed its year-end auction with another record-breaking weekend, led by the rare Firme V Feliz Por La Union coin, which sold for P6 million.</p>

Minted MNL closed its year-end auction with another record-breaking weekend, led by the rare Firme V Feliz Por La Union coin, which sold for P6 million.

Famed Spanish-PH piece, Marcos coins steal show at Minted MNL auction

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Famed Spanish-PH piece, Marcos coins steal show at Minted MNL auction

Josh Mercado

Published Nov 23, 2025 09:26 AM PHT

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