Introduction The world of Philippine numismatics is not limited to official coins issued for everyday circulation. Collectors also study commemorative medals, privately issued pieces, tokens, challenge coins, and other objects that preserve important moments in Philippine history. One interesting example is the 2022 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. BBM–Sara commemorative medal , produced as part of the Alamat Presidential Series . This particular medal attracts attention because its design records a very specific moment in Philippine political and cultural history: the 2022 national election period and the political partnership between Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte. The reverse design depicts Marcos and Sara Duterte during a campaign rally, surrounded by supporters and Philippine-themed imagery. Th...
2022 BBM–Sara Commemorative Medal: History, Design, Specifications, Rarity and Collecting Significance #commemorativecoin #collectablecoin #goldcoins
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Introduction
The world of Philippine numismatics is not limited to official coins issued for everyday circulation. Collectors also study commemorative medals, privately issued pieces, tokens, challenge coins, and other objects that preserve important moments in Philippine history. One interesting example is the 2022 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. BBM–Sara commemorative medal, produced as part of the Alamat Presidential Series.
This particular medal attracts attention because its design records a very specific moment in Philippine political and cultural history: the 2022 national election period and the political partnership between Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte. The reverse design depicts Marcos and Sara Duterte during a campaign rally, surrounded by supporters and Philippine-themed imagery. The obverse features a portrait of Marcos together with the Philippine flag and text identifying him as the 17th President of the Philippines.
For collectors, the significance of this piece goes beyond its appearance. It combines political history, medal design, contemporary Philippine culture, and the growing interest in privately produced commemorative issues. Unlike ordinary circulating coins issued by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, this piece belongs to the category of commemorative medals. Therefore, it should not automatically be treated as legal tender or valued in the same way as an official Philippine peso coin.
This distinction is important for anyone researching, buying, selling, or writing about the medal.
The purpose of this article is to examine the 2022 BBM–Sara commemorative medal in detail. It discusses its background, physical specifications, obverse and reverse designs, materials, production, packaging, mintage, historical context, collecting considerations, authenticity, preservation, possible market value, and its place in Philippine medal collecting.
1. What Is the 2022 BBM–Sara Commemorative Medal?
The 2022 BBM–Sara piece is catalogued as a commemorative medal from Alamat Commemorative Coins. Numismatic catalog records identify it as part of the Alamat Presidential Series and associate it with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the 17th President of the Philippines.
The piece was issued in 2022, the same year as the Philippine presidential election and the beginning of Marcos's presidential term.
One of its most distinctive characteristics is its reverse. Rather than showing a conventional presidential seal, coat of arms, or purely historical scene, the reverse depicts Marcos and Sara Duterte in a campaign-rally setting. The design includes supporters, Philippine flags, a “BBM SARA” banner, and additional symbolic elements.
The design therefore documents the political campaign period itself.
This makes the medal different from many traditional commemorative pieces. Traditional commemorative medals frequently celebrate anniversaries, historical figures, national events, institutions, military achievements, or cultural milestones. The BBM–Sara medal instead captures a contemporary political moment.
For a historian or collector, that can make the object interesting even without considering its monetary value.
It serves as a physical representation of how a particular political campaign was presented visually during the 2022 election period.
2. Medal or Coin?
One of the most important points for collectors is terminology.
The item is commonly referred to as a “coin” because it is round, metallic, has an obverse and reverse, and is produced for collectors. Alamat itself uses the name “Commemorative Coins.” However, numismatic catalogues classify this particular item as a medal. Numista lists it under commemorative medals, while Numismatics Philippines also identifies it as an “Alamat Commemorative” presidential issue.
Why does this matter?
An official Philippine coin is generally issued by the country's monetary authority and has a denomination intended for monetary circulation or an official commemorative monetary program. A privately produced commemorative medal does not necessarily have those characteristics.
The BBM–Sara piece has no Philippine peso denomination intended for ordinary commerce. It was produced as a commemorative collectible.
Therefore, calling it a “BBM–Sara commemorative medal” is more precise in a numismatic article.
Collectors should always distinguish between:
- official Philippine circulating coins;
- official commemorative coins;
- privately issued medals;
- tokens;
- challenge coins;
- fantasy pieces; and
- political campaign memorabilia.
These categories can have very different histories, legal statuses, production methods, and market values.
The BBM–Sara medal belongs to the commemorative-medal category.
3. The 2022 Historical Background
The medal was issued during a major political transition in the Philippines.
The 2022 Philippine presidential election was held on May 9, 2022. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ran for president while Sara Duterte ran for vice president. Their political alliance became widely known as the BBM–Sara tandem.
The medal's reverse design directly reflects this campaign period.
According to catalog documentation, the reverse depicts Marcos and Sara Duterte at a campaign rally attended by a very large crowd. The design includes supporters, a “BBM SARA” sign, the Philippine flag, and other visual elements.
The medal was therefore not simply produced as a generic presidential portrait.
It preserves imagery associated with the campaign.
That gives the medal a clear historical context.
For future generations, objects such as this can provide visual evidence of how political campaigns were represented and remembered in material culture. Posters, buttons, shirts, photographs, newspapers, social-media graphics, campaign memorabilia, and medals can all become historical sources.
A medal is especially interesting because it condenses several visual elements into a small physical object.
4. The Alamat Presidential Series
The BBM–Sara medal belongs to the Alamat Presidential Series.
The series included other presidential subjects. Numismatics Philippines lists the 2022 Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. presidential issue in the Presidential category and identifies it as issue number 2 of the series.
The broader Alamat catalogue includes medals associated with Philippine historical figures and presidents. The catalogue includes subjects such as Emilio Aguinaldo, Rodrigo Duterte, Benigno Aquino III, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
This broader context is useful because the BBM–Sara medal should not be considered as an isolated object.
It forms part of a collecting series.
Collectors who specialize in presidential medals may therefore be interested in obtaining multiple pieces from the same series.
Series collecting can be especially attractive because it allows collectors to study changes in portrait styles, inscriptions, artistic techniques, packaging, finishes, and historical themes.
5. The Obverse Design
The obverse is the side featuring a bust portrait of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The catalog description states that the portrait appears in front of an image of the Philippine flag. Around the portrait is wording identifying Marcos as the 17th President of the Philippines and giving the presidential period as 2022–2028.
The use of a presidential portrait follows a long tradition in medallic art.
Presidential medals frequently use a portrait as the principal visual element because a portrait immediately identifies the person being commemorated.
In this case, the portrait is surrounded by lettering that provides historical identification.
This combination of portrait, flag, and inscription creates a design that is easy to recognize even when the medal is viewed separately from its original packaging.
For collectors, clear inscriptions are valuable because they help identify the subject and distinguish one issue from another.
6. The Reverse Design
The reverse is arguably the most historically distinctive side of this medal.
It depicts Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte during a campaign rally. Behind them are supporters, with some holding a banner identifying the BBM–Sara campaign. The Philippine flag is also incorporated into the design.
Additional imagery appears around the main figures.
The catalog descriptions mention a wind turbine associated with Ilocos Norte, as well as an eagle and a tiger. The signature of Bongbong Marcos is also incorporated near the upper portion of the design.
The surrounding inscription refers to a call for unity and national recovery.
This makes the reverse different from the obverse in its visual approach.
The obverse focuses primarily on presidential identity.
The reverse focuses on the campaign and political partnership.
From a design perspective, the two sides tell different parts of the story.
7. Why the Reverse Is Important to Collectors
The reverse is especially important because it documents a particular historical moment rather than simply displaying a portrait.
A collector examining the medal can see:
- Ferdinand Marcos Jr.;
- Sara Duterte;
- campaign supporters;
- the Philippine flag;
- the BBM–Sara identification;
- additional symbolic imagery;
- the 2022 date; and
- wording associated with the campaign and presidential series.
Together, these elements establish a strong connection between the medal and the 2022 campaign period.
That historical specificity can be important to collectors.
A medal that records a particular event may become more interesting over time as the event becomes part of history.
However, historical interest should not automatically be confused with monetary value.
A piece can be historically interesting without becoming expensive.
Conversely, a scarce item can have collector value even if its historical significance is limited.
The market determines actual prices through supply, demand, condition, provenance, and other factors.
8. Physical Specifications
The catalogued physical specifications of the BBM–Sara medal are quite specific.
According to Numismatics Philippines, the medal has:
- Year: 2022
- Category: Presidential
- Type: Alamat Commemorative
- Series: Presidential
- Series issue number: 2
- Shape: Round
- Edge: Reeded
- Weight: 23.5 grams
- Diameter: 38 millimeters
- Thickness: 2.8 millimeters
- Material: Alpha brass
- Composition: 70% copper and 30% zinc
- Finish: 24K gold plating for the BBM–Sara variety
- Orientation: Medallic
- Designer: Jericho Benavente
- Mint: Alamat Commemorative Coins
- Mintage reported for the BBM–Sara variety: 1,000 pieces.
Numista independently records the basic specifications as gold-plated brass, 23.5 grams, 38 millimeters, and 2.8 millimeters. It also records the mintage as 1,000 pieces.
These specifications are useful when identifying an example.
9. The Metal Composition
The medal should not be mistaken for a solid-gold coin.
The documented base metal is alpha brass, with a composition of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc. The BBM–Sara version received a 24K gold-plated finish according to the Numismatics Philippines catalogue.
This distinction is extremely important.
The phrase “24K gold plated” does not mean that the entire medal is made from 24-karat gold.
Instead, the medal has a brass base with a gold-plated surface.
Collectors should therefore avoid calculating its value as though it were a 23.5-gram solid-gold medal.
The gold content of plating is much smaller than the total weight of the object.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings that can occur when describing gold-colored or gold-plated commemorative pieces.
A good collector description should always state the base metal and finish separately.
10. Gold Plating and Appearance
The 24K gold-plated finish gives the BBM–Sara medal a bright golden appearance.
Gold plating can make a brass medal visually resemble a gold coin, especially in photographs.
Lighting can make this effect even stronger.
A photograph taken under warm light may make the medal appear almost entirely made from gold.
However, visual appearance alone cannot determine metal composition.
For authentication or metal identification, collectors should rely on documented specifications and, where appropriate, professional testing.
A magnet test can sometimes provide basic information, but it cannot determine whether a non-magnetic item is gold.
Brass is also generally non-magnetic.
Therefore, a non-magnetic result should not be interpreted as proof of gold.
This is why collectors should pay attention to catalog records, original packaging, certificates, weight, dimensions, and other identification features.
11. Weight and Dimensions
The listed weight is 23.5 grams.
The diameter is 38 millimeters, while the thickness is 2.8 millimeters.
These measurements are useful for authentication.
If a purported example differs substantially from the documented dimensions and weight, the collector should investigate further.
Small differences can occur because of manufacturing tolerances, scales, capsules, or measurement methods.
However, a major difference could indicate that the object is a different issue, a reproduction, or a counterfeit.
When weighing a medal, the capsule or presentation packaging should not be included.
The medal itself should be weighed separately.
Similarly, diameter should be measured across the medal and not across a protective capsule.
12. Reeded Edge
The medal has a reeded edge.
A reeded edge consists of closely spaced grooves around the circumference.
Reeded edges are common in coinage and medals.
From a collecting perspective, the edge provides another identifying characteristic.
When examining a piece, collectors should inspect:
- the edge pattern;
- the consistency of the reeds;
- signs of filing;
- unusual scratches;
- plating damage;
- edge dents; and
- possible alterations.
An edge inspection is particularly useful because many casual examinations focus only on the obverse and reverse.
Yet the edge can contain valuable evidence about an object's manufacture and condition.
13. Proof Deep Mirror Finish
The BBM–Sara variety is documented as having a Proof Deep Mirror quality or finish.
A proof-style finish generally emphasizes polished fields and sharp design details.
The reflective surface can make the medal especially attractive when photographed.
However, proof quality also means that scratches, fingerprints, and surface marks may become more noticeable.
Collectors should handle proof-style medals carefully.
It is generally preferable to hold the medal by its edge rather than touching the main surfaces.
Finger oils can leave marks and may contribute to surface deterioration over long periods.
14. Mintage of 1,000 Pieces
One of the most interesting specifications is the reported mintage.
Numismatics Philippines records the BBM–Sara variety with a mintage of 1,000 pieces. Numista also records a 2022 mintage of 1,000.
A mintage of 1,000 is relatively small compared with mass-produced modern circulating coins.
However, mintage alone does not automatically establish a high market value.
This point is extremely important.
A low mintage can contribute to scarcity, but market demand is also necessary.
If only a small number of collectors want an item, a low mintage may not produce a high selling price.
Likewise, a piece with a larger mintage can sometimes become valuable if demand is very strong.
Therefore, collectors should consider mintage together with:
- condition;
- demand;
- provenance;
- packaging;
- certificate;
- authenticity;
- collector interest;
- availability;
- historical importance; and
- actual completed sales.
15. Original Issue Price
The documented issue price varied according to packaging.
Numismatics Philippines lists the BBM–Sara versions as follows:
- Capsule with Certificate of Authenticity: ₱1,000
- Slab with green hologram and Certificate of Authenticity: ₱1,100
- Slab with silver hologram and Certificate of Authenticity: ₱1,100
- Box with Certificate of Authenticity: ₱1,400.
These figures are historical issue prices, not guaranteed current market prices.
This distinction is important.
An original issue price tells us what the item was offered for when released.
It does not tell us what the medal is necessarily worth today.
A collector looking for the current market value should examine recent completed transactions rather than relying exclusively on the original issue price.
16. Date of Issue
The BBM–Sara variety is documented as having been issued in early June 2022.
This timing places its release shortly after the May 2022 Philippine elections.
The timing is historically significant because the medal's design directly references the campaign.
It was therefore a contemporary commemorative object rather than a piece created many years after the event.
That distinction can matter to historians and collectors.
Contemporary objects often provide evidence of how an event was represented at the time.
17. Certificate of Authenticity
The original packaging varieties were accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, according to the Numismatics Philippines catalogue.
A certificate can be useful for collectors because it links the physical medal to the original issue.
However, a certificate alone should not be considered absolute proof of authenticity.
Collectors should examine the medal itself.
Important factors include:
- correct dimensions;
- correct weight;
- correct design;
- correct inscriptions;
- correct edge;
- correct finish;
- packaging;
- certificate;
- serial number where applicable; and
- provenance.
If buying an expensive example, collectors should consider obtaining an opinion from an experienced numismatist.
18. Packaging Varieties
The BBM–Sara medal was reportedly available in several packaging varieties.
The catalogue lists capsule, slab, and presentation-box versions.
Packaging can matter to collectors because original packaging helps establish provenance.
A medal preserved in its original box with its certificate may be more desirable to some collectors than a loose example.
However, the value of packaging is market-dependent.
Some collectors prioritize the medal itself.
Others prefer complete original sets.
Collectors who specialize in modern Philippine commemorative medals may be particularly interested in complete examples containing the medal, certificate, and original presentation materials.
19. The Historical Meaning of the Campaign Imagery
The reverse design is essentially a visual record of the BBM–Sara campaign period.
It shows two political figures together in a campaign setting.
It also includes supporters and Philippine symbols.
The design should therefore be understood as political memorabilia as well as medallic art.
This does not require the collector to share the political views represented by the medal.
Historical objects can be collected and studied for many reasons.
A museum, historian, researcher, or collector may preserve an object because it documents an important period.
The same principle applies to campaign posters, election materials, political buttons, newspapers, photographs, and other memorabilia.
Their historical value can arise from their connection to a particular event.
20. BBM and Sara Duterte on the Reverse
The reverse specifically identifies the BBM–Sara partnership.
The catalogue description explains that the scene depicts Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte at a campaign rally, with supporters and campaign imagery behind them.
The presence of both figures makes this medal different from the separate Marcos presidential medal that uses a different reverse design.
Collectors should therefore compare the designs carefully.
The BBM–Sara medal should not be confused with the other 2022 Marcos presidential medal whose reverse depicts Marcos with his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Numista catalogs that as a separate piece.
This is an important distinction for collectors who are trying to identify their medal.
21. Comparing the Two 2022 Marcos Medals
The Alamat Presidential Series contains more than one 2022 Marcos-related medal.
One variety features the BBM–Sara campaign imagery.
Another variety has a reverse depicting Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. holding hands with his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The two pieces have similar basic physical dimensions.
Both are associated with the presidential series.
But their reverse designs tell different stories.
The BBM–Sara version documents the 2022 campaign partnership.
The Jr.–Sr. version emphasizes the relationship between Marcos Jr. and his father.
For collectors, this makes the two varieties interesting to compare side by side.
22. Collecting the Medal
Collectors may approach the BBM–Sara medal in several ways.
One approach is presidential collecting.
A collector may attempt to obtain medals representing different Philippine presidents.
Another approach is modern Philippine medal collecting.
A collector may focus on all Alamat issues from a particular year.
A third approach is political memorabilia.
A collector may specialize in election-related objects from Philippine history.
A fourth approach is contemporary historical objects.
Such a collector may not focus specifically on politics but may want objects documenting important events in the 2020s.
Each collecting strategy gives the medal a different context.
23. Why Modern Medals Matter
Some collectors focus heavily on nineteenth- and twentieth-century coins.
However, modern medals can also become historical documents.
The advantage of collecting contemporary medals is that documentation is often easier to obtain.
Collectors can record:
- issue dates;
- original prices;
- packaging;
- promotional materials;
- photographs;
- catalog information;
- serial numbers;
- mintage;
- design details; and
- purchase history.
Preserving this information today can help future collectors understand the object decades later.
A modern medal that seems ordinary today may become an interesting historical artifact in the future.
24. Is It Made of Real Gold?
This is one of the most important questions a potential buyer might ask.
The answer is:
The BBM–Sara version is documented as gold-plated alpha brass, not solid gold.
The catalog specifies alpha brass consisting of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc, with a 24K gold-plated finish.
Therefore, the medal's total weight of 23.5 grams should not be interpreted as 23.5 grams of gold.
The gold plating is a surface finish.
Collectors should be careful when seeing online advertisements that simply describe an item as a “24K gold coin.”
A better description is:
2022 BBM–Sara commemorative medal, alpha brass, 24K gold plated.
That description is much more precise.
25. Could the Medal Become More Valuable?
It is impossible to guarantee future prices.
The future value of a collectible depends on market conditions.
Several factors could influence the price:
Scarcity
A documented mintage of 1,000 pieces means the known production quantity is limited.
Condition
Proof-like surfaces can command greater collector attention when they remain clean and undamaged.
Original packaging
Complete examples with certificates and original boxes may attract collectors who prefer original presentation.
Historical interest
As the 2022 election becomes part of Philippine history, some collectors may become interested in contemporary campaign memorabilia.
Demand
Ultimately, buyers determine market demand.
Provenance
A documented ownership history can sometimes increase confidence in an item.
None of these factors guarantees appreciation.
Collectors should therefore avoid purchasing solely because someone claims that the medal will become “rare” or “expensive” in the future.
26. How to Research the Current Market Price
If you own this medal and want to know its current value, do not rely on a single online advertisement.
Instead, research several sources.
Look for completed sales rather than only asking prices.
An asking price is what a seller hopes to receive.
A completed sale shows what a buyer actually paid.
This difference can be significant.
Collectors should record:
- date of sale;
- condition;
- packaging;
- certificate;
- serial number;
- seller reputation;
- platform;
- shipping;
- and final price.
After collecting several examples, you can calculate a rough market range.
Even then, the market may change.
Modern collectibles can experience significant price fluctuations depending on collector interest.
27. Beware of Fake Gold Claims
The medal's golden appearance may encourage misleading descriptions.
Some sellers may call gold-plated brass simply “gold.”
That wording can create confusion.
A responsible collector should always ask:
- Is it solid gold?
- Is it gold plated?
- What is the base metal?
- What is the weight?
- What is the diameter?
- Is there a certificate?
- What is the mintage?
- What is the original issue price?
- Is the item from the original manufacturer?
- Is the packaging original?
For the BBM–Sara medal, catalog documentation answers several of these questions directly.
28. Authenticity Checks
If you encounter a BBM–Sara medal in the market, compare it against documented specifications.
The following characteristics can be useful:
Diameter: approximately 38 mm.
Weight: approximately 23.5 g.
Thickness: approximately 2.8 mm.
Base metal: alpha brass.
Composition: approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc.
Finish: 24K gold plating.
Edge: reeded.
Year: 2022.
Series: Alamat Presidential Series.
Reported mintage: 1,000 pieces for the BBM–Sara variety.
These details should be used collectively.
No single test should automatically determine authenticity.
29. The Importance of Condition
Condition is a major factor in collecting.
A medal kept in its original capsule may retain a cleaner surface than one handled frequently.
Proof-style surfaces can show fingerprints, hairlines, scratches, and other marks.
Collectors should avoid unnecessary handling.
If the medal is not being photographed or inspected, it is generally better to keep it protected.
Do not polish the medal.
Polishing can damage the original surface and reduce collector appeal.
Cleaning can also remove plating or alter the appearance.
A natural, original surface is generally preferable to an aggressively cleaned one.
30. How to Store the Medal
Proper storage can help preserve the medal.
A collector should consider:
- keeping the medal in its original capsule when possible;
- storing it in a dry environment;
- avoiding excessive humidity;
- avoiding direct sunlight;
- avoiding chemical cleaners;
- avoiding unnecessary handling;
- keeping documentation together; and
- protecting the certificate from moisture.
If the medal is stored in a presentation box, the box itself should also be protected from humidity and insects.
Collectors should avoid storing medals in environments with extreme temperature changes.
Long-term preservation is especially important for modern commemorative medals because collectors want the finish to remain close to its original condition.
31. Should You Touch the Surface?
It is better to avoid touching the main surfaces.
Human skin contains oils and moisture.
Fingerprints may become visible on highly reflective surfaces.
When handling a proof-style medal, hold it carefully by the edge.
If gloves are used, they should be clean and appropriate for handling collectibles.
However, collectors should also avoid repeatedly removing and replacing a medal from its capsule merely to inspect it.
Every unnecessary handling creates another opportunity for scratching or contamination.
32. The Role of Certificates
The Certificate of Authenticity is part of the original collecting package for the documented varieties.
The certificate identifies the medal and indicates its limited-edition nature. Numismatics Philippines records certificates accompanying the capsule, slab, and box versions.
Collectors should keep the certificate with the medal.
If the certificate contains a serial number, the number should be recorded.
Photographs of the medal and certificate can also be useful for personal records.
Documentation is particularly helpful if the collector later decides to sell, transfer, or insure the piece.
33. Medal vs. Legal Tender
The BBM–Sara piece should not be confused with an official peso denomination.
There is no ordinary circulating denomination associated with this medal.
It is a commemorative object.
That means its value is primarily determined by its collectible and historical characteristics rather than its ability to purchase goods in ordinary commerce.
This is another reason why the word “medal” is important.
Collectors should not assume that a commemorative medal automatically has the same status as an official Philippine coin.
34. The Role of Private Medal Makers
Private medal producers play an interesting role in collecting.
They can create commemorative pieces covering subjects that may not appear on official circulating coinage.
This allows collectors to obtain representations of contemporary personalities, historical figures, anniversaries, organizations, and events.
Alamat Commemorative Coins has produced medals covering a variety of Philippine historical subjects, including presidential and historical-figure issues.
This makes private medal production an important part of modern Philippine collecting culture.
35. Contemporary Political Memorabilia
Political memorabilia has existed for generations.
Collectors have preserved:
- campaign buttons;
- posters;
- banners;
- photographs;
- newspapers;
- pins;
- tokens;
- medals;
- campaign cards;
- clothing;
- and other promotional objects.
The 2022 BBM–Sara medal fits into this broader category.
Its reverse is especially direct because it visually documents campaign imagery.
For researchers, the medal may be useful as an example of political material culture from the 2022 election period.
36. The Design as Historical Documentation
The medal can be studied as a piece of visual history.
Its design contains several layers.
The portrait represents the presidential subject.
The Philippine flag provides national symbolism.
The campaign rally represents the election period.
The BBM–Sara lettering identifies the political partnership.
The crowd represents the public campaign environment.
The other symbols contribute additional visual associations.
Together, these elements create a compact historical narrative.
A 38-millimeter object can therefore contain a surprisingly large amount of information.
37. Why Collectors Should Record the Original Context
When collecting modern objects, context can be lost quickly.
A medal purchased today may be separated from its original packaging or certificate years later.
The collector may forget:
- when it was purchased;
- where it was purchased;
- how much it cost;
- who sold it;
- what packaging came with it;
- and what documents accompanied it.
Maintaining a simple collector's record can prevent this.
A useful record could include photographs of both sides, the edge, packaging, certificate, serial number, purchase date, and purchase price.
This information can become valuable provenance later.
38. The Medal's Place in a Philippine Collection
A Philippine collection can include many categories.
For example:
- Spanish colonial coins;
- American-era Philippine coins;
- Commonwealth coins;
- Japanese occupation currency;
- Republic-era coins;
- commemorative coins;
- medals;
- tokens;
- banknotes;
- presidential memorabilia;
- and modern privately issued medals.
The BBM–Sara medal belongs naturally in the modern commemorative-medal section.
A collector could place it alongside other Alamat presidential medals.
This would allow a visual comparison of different presidential subjects and designs.
39. Building an Alamat Collection
Someone interested in this medal might decide to collect the broader Alamat series.
Numismatics Philippines records several Alamat presidential issues from 2022, including Emilio Aguinaldo, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Rodrigo Duterte, and Benigno Aquino III.
Collecting an entire series can be more challenging than collecting a single piece.
The collector may need to find:
- different presidential subjects;
- different finishes;
- different packaging;
- different certificates;
- and possibly different varieties.
The process can become a long-term collecting project.
40. A Collector's Checklist
If you are buying a BBM–Sara medal, consider the following checklist:
1. Identify the exact variety.
Confirm that the reverse shows the BBM–Sara campaign scene.
2. Check the diameter.
Approximately 38 mm.
3. Check the weight.
Approximately 23.5 grams.
4. Inspect the edge.
The documented piece has a reeded edge.
5. Inspect the finish.
The BBM–Sara variety is documented as 24K gold plated.
6. Check the packaging.
Determine whether it has a capsule, slab, or box.
7. Check the certificate.
Look for the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity.
8. Compare the design.
Compare lettering, portraits, symbols, and details with reliable references.
9. Research the seller.
Look for established collecting history and feedback.
10. Compare actual sales.
Do not rely only on advertised prices.
41. Common Misunderstandings
Several misunderstandings can occur with modern commemorative medals.
Misunderstanding 1: “24K gold plated means solid gold.”
It does not.
The documented base is brass.
Misunderstanding 2: “A 1,000-piece mintage guarantees a high price.”
It does not.
Market demand determines actual selling prices.
Misunderstanding 3: “Every presidential medal is legal tender.”
It is not.
This item is a commemorative medal.
Misunderstanding 4: “A certificate guarantees authenticity.”
A certificate is useful documentation, but the medal itself should also be examined.
Misunderstanding 5: “The original issue price is today's value.”
It is not.
Current market prices can be higher or lower.
42. Why the Year 2022 Matters
The year 2022 is central to the identity of this medal.
It connects the object to a specific election cycle and political transition.
The medal therefore belongs to the material culture of the early 2020s.
For collectors of contemporary Philippine history, dates are especially important.
A medal without a clear date can be difficult to place historically.
The 2022 date makes the context immediately recognizable.
43. The Medal as a Conversation Piece
Collectors often enjoy objects not only for their monetary value but also for their stories.
This medal has a story that can be explained through its two sides.
The obverse introduces the presidential subject.
The reverse takes the viewer back to the campaign period.
That makes it a natural conversation piece.
A collector can show the medal and explain why the reverse contains campaign imagery and why it was issued in 2022.
For younger generations, it can become an introduction to a particular chapter of Philippine political history.
44. How to Photograph the Medal for a Blog
If you are posting this medal on a Blogger website, high-quality photographs are important.
Take separate photographs of:
- the obverse;
- the reverse;
- the edge;
- the capsule;
- the certificate;
- the box;
- any serial number; and
- any important packaging marks.
Use neutral lighting.
Avoid excessive reflections.
For the gold-plated surface, indirect light can help reveal details without producing large glare spots.
A tripod or stable phone stand can also improve image quality.
45. Suggested Blog Captions
For the obverse, a useful caption could be:
“2022 Alamat Presidential Series BBM–Sara commemorative medal, obverse featuring Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.”
For the reverse:
“Reverse of the 2022 BBM–Sara commemorative medal depicting Marcos and Sara Duterte during the 2022 campaign period.”
These captions are descriptive rather than promotional.
They also help search engines understand the content of the images.
46. SEO Keywords for Collectors
A Blogger article about this medal may use relevant search phrases such as:
- 2022 BBM Sara commemorative medal
- BBM Sara medal
- Bongbong Marcos medal
- Sara Duterte medal
- Alamat commemorative coins
- Alamat Presidential Series
- 2022 Philippine commemorative medal
- BBM Sara coin
- Marcos commemorative medal
- Philippine presidential medals
- 2022 BBM medal
- BBM Sara Alamat medal
- Philippine coin collecting
- Philippine medal collecting
It is important, however, to use the term “medal” accurately in the article.
Using “coin” as a search term may help people find the article, but the article should explain the numismatic classification.
47. Why Accurate Descriptions Matter
Collectors depend on accurate descriptions.
If an article incorrectly states that the medal is solid gold, readers may misunderstand its composition.
If an article incorrectly calls it official legal tender, readers may misunderstand its status.
If an article gives an unsupported current price, readers may think the amount is guaranteed.
A good collector article should distinguish between:
documented facts,
historical interpretation,
and
market opinions.
For this medal, the documented facts include the specifications, design, reported mintage, issue date, and original issue prices.
48. What Makes This Medal Interesting?
Several features make the medal notable to collectors.
First, it is connected to the 2022 Philippine presidential election period.
Second, the reverse directly depicts BBM and Sara Duterte together at a campaign rally.
Third, it was produced in a limited quantity of 1,000 pieces according to catalog records.
Fourth, it has a gold-plated brass composition rather than ordinary circulating-coin construction.
Fifth, it belongs to a broader presidential medal series.
Sixth, the piece was issued with collector-oriented packaging and certificates.
These characteristics combine historical and collecting interest.
49. A Note About “Rarity”
Numismatic rarity is more complicated than simply counting the original mintage.
A piece can have a low mintage but remain relatively easy to find if many collectors do not want it.
Another piece may have a larger mintage but become difficult to obtain because most examples are permanently held by collectors.
Therefore, collectors should distinguish between:
low mintage
and
market rarity.
The 2022 BBM–Sara medal has a documented mintage of 1,000, which is an important fact.
Whether the medal becomes scarce in the marketplace depends on how many examples remain available and how much collector demand develops.
50. Historical Value and Monetary Value
These are two separate concepts.
Historical value relates to the importance of the event or subject represented.
Monetary value relates to what collectors are willing to pay.
The BBM–Sara medal can have historical interest because it documents a particular political campaign period.
Its market price, however, must be determined through actual transactions.
This distinction is especially important when writing about modern political memorabilia.
A collector may value the medal highly for personal or historical reasons even if the market price remains modest.
Another collector may care primarily about rarity, condition, or completeness.
There is no single universal definition of collectible value.
51. The Future of the Medal
No one can reliably guarantee what the market will do decades from now.
Future interest may depend on the development of Philippine numismatics, political history, medal collecting, and interest in 2022 campaign memorabilia.
Museums, researchers, and private collectors may eventually preserve these objects as examples of early twenty-first-century Philippine political culture.
If interest grows, well-preserved original examples could become more sought after.
If interest remains limited, prices may remain relatively modest.
The responsible approach is therefore to preserve the medal and document its history rather than assuming a particular future price.
52. Preserving the Story
A collector who owns this medal has more than a piece of metal.
The owner also has an object that records a specific moment.
The best way to preserve it is to preserve both the physical medal and the information surrounding it.
Keep:
- the medal;
- original packaging;
- certificate;
- purchase documentation;
- photographs;
- catalog references;
- and any known provenance.
Together, these materials can tell future collectors where the medal came from and what it represented.
53. Final Thoughts
The 2022 BBM–Sara commemorative medal is an interesting example of modern Philippine medallic art and political memorabilia.
Its obverse features Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with the Philippine flag and presidential identification. Its reverse depicts Marcos and Sara Duterte during the 2022 campaign period, surrounded by supporters and additional Philippine-themed imagery.
The medal is documented as measuring approximately 38 millimeters, weighing 23.5 grams, and having a thickness of approximately 2.8 millimeters. Its base is alpha brass consisting of approximately 70% copper and 30% zinc, while the BBM–Sara variety is described as having a 24K gold-plated finish.
The reported mintage is 1,000 pieces, and the original issue price varied depending on the packaging, from ₱1,000 for a capsule version to ₱1,400 for a box version, according to Numismatics Philippines.
Most importantly, this is properly understood as a commemorative medal, rather than an ordinary Philippine circulating coin.
Its importance comes from the combination of design, historical context, limited production, and collector interest.
For anyone interested in Philippine numismatics, presidential memorabilia, or contemporary history, the medal provides an example of how a small physical object can preserve the visual memory of a major national event.
Whether a collector owns one example or attempts to build an entire presidential-medal collection, careful documentation is essential.
The collector should record its specifications, preserve its original packaging and certificate when available, avoid damaging the gold-plated surface, and research market prices using actual transactions rather than unsupported claims.
Ultimately, the most interesting feature of the medal may not be its gold-colored appearance or its potential market price.
It is the story represented by its two sides.
One side presents the presidential portrait.
The other side presents the campaign period.
Together, the two sides create a small historical object from 2022 that reflects a particular chapter in Philippine political and collecting history.
As the years pass, modern objects such as this can become useful references for understanding how political events were commemorated and remembered through material culture.
For collectors, that is one of the enduring attractions of medals.
A medal can be small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, yet large enough to preserve a story for generations.
Quick Reference: 2022 BBM–Sara Commemorative Medal
| Feature | Documented Information |
|---|---|
| Year | 2022 |
| Series | Alamat Presidential Series |
| Subject | Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. / BBM–Sara |
| Type | Commemorative Medal |
| Issuer/Mint | Alamat Commemorative Coins |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Weight | 23.5 g |
| Thickness | 2.8 mm |
| Base Metal | Alpha Brass |
| Composition | 70% Copper / 30% Zinc |
| Finish | 24K Gold Plated |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Quality | Proof Deep Mirror |
| Mintage | 1,000 pieces |
| Obverse | Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with Philippine flag |
| Reverse | BBM–Sara campaign-rally scene |
| Designer | Jericho Benavente |
| Reported Issue Date | Early June 2022 |
| Packaging | Capsule, slab, or box varieties |
| Certificate | Certificate of Authenticity available with documented varieties |
The specifications above are based on numismatic catalogue records from Numismatics Philippines and Numista.
Collector's Reminder
This article discusses the medal from a historical and numismatic perspective. The documented 24K description refers to gold plating, not a medal made entirely of 24K solid gold. The reported ₱1,000–₱1,400 figures are historical issue prices, not guaranteed current market values. Current prices should be checked against recent completed sales and the condition and completeness of the individual piece.
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