The Philippines 100 Piso Teresa Magbanua Horseman Coin (2018) #nordicgold #collectablescoins #commemorativecoin

                                                           

Introduction

Modern Philippine commemorative coins serve a purpose far beyond monetary value. They are tangible historical documents—objects that preserve national memory, political ideals, and cultural identity in metal form. Among the most significant modern issues released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is the 2018 Philippines 100 Piso Teresa Magbanua Horseman Coin, struck in copper-aluminum alloy (CuAl, commonly called Nordic gold).

This coin honors Teresa Magbanua, one of the most extraordinary yet long-overlooked figures in Philippine history. As a female revolutionary general who led troops on horseback during the Philippine Revolution, Magbanua shattered the gender norms of her era. Her image—immortalized on a powerful horseman design—makes this coin not only a collectible object but also a political and cultural statement.

When graded MS68 by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this coin enters an elite category of modern Philippine numismatics. High-grade examples are scarce, highly desirable, and increasingly viewed as long-term collectible assets.

This article explores the historical background of Teresa Magbanua, the political and cultural importance of the coin, its technical specifications, design symbolism, grading significance, and its place in the modern collector market.

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Teresa Magbanua: The Woman Behind the Coin

Early Life and Education

Teresa Magbanua was born on October 13, 1868, in Pototan, Iloilo, during the height of Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines. She came from a relatively well-off and educated family, which allowed her to receive formal education—an opportunity denied to most Filipino women at the time.

She studied at the Colegio de San Jose in Jaro, Iloilo, a respected institution that produced many educators and intellectuals. After completing her studies, she became a schoolteacher, a profession considered respectable for women but still limited in influence during the Spanish period.

Despite her peaceful profession, Magbanua was deeply affected by the injustices of colonial rule. Like many educated Filipinos of her generation, she became increasingly aware of the political, economic, and social inequalities imposed on Filipinos by Spain.

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Joining the Philippine Revolution

When the Philippine Revolution against Spain erupted in 1896, Teresa Magbanua made a decision that would define her legacy. Instead of remaining in a traditional female role, she joined the revolutionary movement and eventually took up arms.

In the Visayas, revolutionary activities intensified later than in Luzon, but when conflict reached Panay Island, Magbanua emerged as a leader rather than a follower. She organized and commanded a unit of revolutionaries, earning respect through courage, discipline, and tactical leadership.

Her presence on the battlefield was extraordinary. Contemporary accounts describe her riding a horse into combat, wielding a rifle and sword, and leading attacks against Spanish forces. This image would later inspire the horseman motif on the 2018 commemorative coin.

Because of her bravery, she earned the title:

“The Visayan Joan of Arc.”

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Battles and Military Leadership

Teresa Magbanua participated in several key engagements in Panay, including:

• The Battle of Barrio Yoting

• The Battle of Sapong Hills

• The Battle of Balantang

These battles demonstrated her ability to lead men in combat—an unprecedented role for a Filipina at the time. Her leadership challenged both colonial authority and deeply rooted social norms.

Magbanua was not merely a symbolic figure. She was a field commander, responsible for troop movements, morale, and strategic decisions. Her leadership contributed to the weakening of Spanish control in the Visayas.

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Resistance Against American Occupation

After Spain’s defeat in 1898, the Philippines did not achieve true independence. Instead, the country fell under American rule, leading to the Philippine-American War.

Teresa Magbanua initially continued resisting foreign domination. However, the revolutionary forces in the Visayas faced overwhelming American military power, modern weaponry, and diminishing local support.

Eventually, Magbanua was forced to abandon armed resistance. Unlike many male generals who later held political office, she lived the remainder of her life quietly, receiving little recognition for her sacrifices.

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Later Life and Death

Teresa Magbanua lived modestly and passed away in March 1947. For decades, her name remained largely absent from textbooks and public monuments. Her contributions were overshadowed by male revolutionaries whose stories fit more comfortably into traditional historical narratives.

It was only in recent decades that historians, educators, and cultural institutions began restoring her place in Philippine history. The 2018 commemorative coin represents one of the most important official recognitions of her legacy.

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The 2018 Philippines 100 Piso Teresa Magbanua Coin

Purpose of Issuance

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued the coin in 2018 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Teresa Magbanua. The issuance had multiple objectives:

• To honor a forgotten revolutionary hero

• To recognize the role of women in Philippine independence

• To promote historical awareness through numismatics

• To expand the diversity of figures represented on Philippine legal tender

This coin belongs to BSP’s broader commemorative program, which uses currency as a tool for education and national identity.

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Technical Specifications

• Country: Republic of the Philippines

• Year of Issue: 2018

• Denomination: 100 Piso

• Composition: Copper-Aluminum-Zinc-Tin alloy (Nordic Gold / CuAl)

• Weight: 15 grams

• Diameter: 34 millimeters

• Shape: Round

• Edge: Reeded

• Mint: BSP Security Plant Complex

• Type: Non-circulating commemorative coin

The use of Nordic gold gives the coin a golden appearance without using precious metal, making it durable and visually appealing for collectors.

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Design Analysis and Symbolism

Obverse Design

The obverse features a dignified portrait of Teresa Magbanua, accompanied by inscriptions identifying her name, the Republic of the Philippines, the denomination, and the anniversary dates.

The portrait emphasizes strength rather than softness, deliberately rejecting traditional portrayals of women as passive historical figures. This artistic choice reinforces Magbanua’s identity as a warrior and leader.

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Reverse Design: The Horseman Motif

The reverse depicts a Filipina revolutionary mounted on a rearing horse, sword raised, symbolizing:

• Courage

• Leadership

• Freedom

• Armed resistance

The horseman imagery is rare in Philippine coinage and directly references eyewitness descriptions of Magbanua riding into battle. This design transforms historical narrative into powerful visual storytelling.

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Political and Cultural Significance

The coin carries political meaning beyond commemoration. It challenges:

• Male-dominated historical narratives

• Traditional gender roles

• Colonial interpretations of resistance

By placing Teresa Magbanua on legal tender, the Philippine state officially recognizes women as active agents in the nation’s liberation—not merely supporters or symbols.

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Understanding PCGS MS68 Grading

What Is PCGS?

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) is one of the world’s most respected third-party coin grading companies. A PCGS slab certifies authenticity, condition, and market trust.

Meaning of MS68

• MS (Mint State): Uncirculated, no wear

• 68: Near-perfect condition

• Exceptional luster

• Minimal surface marks visible only under magnification

For modern commemorative Philippine coins, MS68 is extremely high and indicates careful handling, strong strike quality, and excellent preservation.

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Collector Demand and Market Value

Why Collectors Want This Coin

• Honors a rare female revolutionary

• Strong historical narrative

• Powerful artistic design

• Limited high-grade population

• PCGS certification adds credibility

Investment Perspective

While commemorative coins are not guaranteed investments, MS68 PCGS examples often outperform raw coins due to:

• Scarcity

• Registry set demand

• Long-term historical relevance

As interest in Philippine women heroes continues to grow, demand for this coin is expected to remain strong.

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Tips for Collectors

1. Buy only authenticated PCGS slabs

2. Avoid excessive handling

3. Store in climate-controlled conditions

4. Keep documentation and provenance

5. Study the historical context—it adds value beyond price

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Conclusion

The 2018 Philippines 100 Piso Teresa Magbanua Horseman Coin is a landmark issue in modern Philippine numismatics. It unites history, politics, gender representation, and coin artistry into a single object.

When graded MS68 by PCGS, it becomes more than a commemorative piece—it becomes a museum-quality artifact representing courage, resistance, and national memory.

This coin ensures that Teresa Magbanua, once nearly forgotten, now rides permanently into history—etched in metal, carried by collectors, and remembered by future generations.