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...
Corazon Aquino 1986 Gold Commemorative Coin: History, Material, Design and Value #goldcoin #collectables #commemorativeecoins
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The Philippines has produced many interesting commemorative coins throughout its history, but some pieces stand out because they are connected to major events in the country's political and diplomatic history.
One of the most fascinating examples is the 1986 Philippine 2,500 Piso Corazon Aquino gold commemorative coin.
This beautiful gold issue was produced during one of the most important years in modern Philippine history. The year 1986 marked a dramatic political transition in the Philippines, the presidency of Corazon “Cory” Aquino, and her official working visit to the United States.
For coin collectors, this piece is interesting for several reasons. It contains gold, carries the portrait of President Corazon Aquino, commemorates an important presidential visit, and was produced in a relatively small quantity.
But there is also an important point that collectors should understand: this is technically a commemorative coin, not merely a medal. It carries a denomination of 2,500 Piso and was issued as part of the Philippines' commemorative coin program.
According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the 1986 State Visit of Corazon Aquino to the United States was commemorated through both a 25-piso and a 2,500-piso issue. These commemorative issues were legal tender until April 30, 2019, and were considered demonetized beginning May 1, 2020.
This article examines the history, specifications, design, gold content, rarity, collector interest, auction history and possible market value of the 1986 Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso gold coin.
Who Was Corazon Aquino?
Before discussing the coin itself, it is important to understand the historical figure represented on it.
Maria Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino became one of the most important political figures in Philippine history during the 1980s.
Her political rise was closely associated with the events surrounding her husband, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who became one of the country's best-known opposition figures.
After Ninoy Aquino was assassinated in 1983, Corazon Aquino became increasingly involved in the opposition movement.
The political situation eventually led to the 1986 presidential election and the events now commonly associated with the People Power Revolution.
In 1986, Corazon Aquino became president of the Philippines.
Her administration represented a major transition in Philippine political history, including efforts to restore democratic institutions and establish a new constitutional order.
The importance of 1986 is one reason why commemorative objects from that year attract attention from historians and collectors.
The 1986 Presidential Visit to the United States
The Corazon Aquino gold coin is particularly interesting because it was connected to her official working visit to Washington, D.C., in September 1986.
The reverse of the gold coin identifies the event with the wording:
“OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT • WASHINGTON, D.C. • SEPTEMBER, 1986”
It also states:
“500/1000 FINE GOLD.”
The reverse features the portrait of U.S. President Ronald Reagan.
The obverse features Corazon Aquino.
Therefore, the coin is more than simply a portrait of a Philippine president. It commemorates an important diplomatic event between the Philippines and the United States.
Numista catalogs the piece under the Presidential Visit commemorative series and identifies it as KM#247 / Schön#88.
What Is the Corazon Aquino Gold Coin?
The official denomination of the gold issue is:
2,500 Piso
The coin was issued in 1986.
It is classified as a non-circulating commemorative coin, meaning that although it carried a peso denomination, it was produced primarily as a commemorative and collector issue rather than for normal everyday transactions.
Numista lists the composition as gold .500, meaning the alloy is 500 parts gold out of 1,000 parts.
The coin weighs approximately 15 grams and measures approximately 35 millimeters in diameter.
Basic Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | Philippines |
| Year | 1986 |
| Denomination | 2,500 Piso |
| Type | Commemorative coin |
| Metal | Gold |
| Fineness | .500 |
| Weight | 15 grams |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Catalog number | KM#247 |
| Theme | Corazon Aquino presidential visit |
| Reverse subject | Ronald Reagan |
| Event | Official working visit to Washington, D.C. |
| Reported mintage | 250 pieces |
The specifications above are based primarily on the Numista catalog record, which also lists a mintage of 250 pieces.
What Does “.500 Fine Gold” Mean?
One of the most important things for a collector to understand is the difference between the total weight of a gold coin and its actual pure-gold content.
The Corazon Aquino coin weighs approximately 15 grams.
However, it is not 15 grams of pure gold.
Its fineness is 500/1000, commonly written as .500 fine gold.
That means approximately 50% of the alloy is gold.
A simple calculation is:
15 grams × 0.500 = approximately 7.5 grams of pure gold.
Therefore, the coin contains approximately 7.5 grams of pure gold, assuming the catalog specifications and weight are accurate for the individual piece.
This is important when estimating its bullion value.
For example, a person might see a 15-gram gold coin and assume it contains 15 grams of pure gold. That would be incorrect for a .500 fine gold issue.
The actual precious-metal content is approximately half of the total weight.
Why Is the Coin Made From .500 Gold?
Commemorative coins are often produced using different precious-metal standards.
Some Philippine commemorative coins were made from .900 gold, .916 gold, .925 gold, .500 gold and other alloys.
The Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso issue belongs to the .500 gold category.
Numista's Philippine catalog lists several other commemorative gold issues, including the 1980 2,500 Piso Douglas MacArthur coin at .500 gold, while other Philippine commemorative issues used higher fineness levels.
Therefore, collectors should never assume that every Philippine gold commemorative coin has the same purity.
Always check the actual inscription and specifications.
The Obverse Design
The obverse is one of the most recognizable parts of the coin.
It features a left-facing portrait of Corazon Aquino.
Around the portrait are inscriptions identifying the Philippines, the year and denomination.
The cataloged lettering includes:
REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS
and:
1986 • 2500 PISO
This design makes the identity of the coin relatively straightforward for collectors who know what they are looking for.
The portrait also makes the coin historically significant because it represents Corazon Aquino during the beginning of her presidency.
The Reverse Design
The reverse is equally important.
It features a right-facing bust of Ronald Reagan, who was president of the United States in 1986.
Around the portrait is the inscription:
OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT • WASHINGTON, D.C. • SEPTEMBER, 1986
The reverse also contains:
500/1000 FINE GOLD
This inscription is especially important for authentication and identification because it tells the collector that the piece is the .500 fine-gold version.
The presence of the Ronald Reagan portrait also explains why the coin should not be viewed only as a Philippine presidential portrait piece.
It is also a diplomatic commemorative issue.
Why Was Ronald Reagan Featured?
The inclusion of Ronald Reagan reflects the historical context of the coin.
The coin commemorates Corazon Aquino's official working visit to Washington, D.C., in September 1986.
The United States and the Philippines have longstanding diplomatic, political and historical connections.
Therefore, a commemorative issue featuring the leaders of both countries was an appropriate way to recognize the presidential visit.
For collectors, this creates an interesting combination:
Philippine history + American history + presidential history + gold + numismatics.
That combination is one reason the coin continues to attract collector interest decades after it was issued.
How Rare Is the Corazon Aquino Gold Coin?
Rarity is one of the most important subjects in coin collecting.
According to the Numista catalog record, the reported mintage for the 1986 2,500 Piso Corazon Aquino gold issue is 250 pieces.
If this mintage figure is correct, it means the original production quantity was very small compared with many modern commemorative coins.
Only 250 pieces is a relatively limited number.
However, collectors should understand that mintage does not automatically equal market value.
A coin can have a low mintage but limited demand.
Conversely, a coin with a relatively large mintage can become highly desirable if many collectors want it.
Value is influenced by several factors:
- Rarity
- Condition
- Authenticity
- Gold price
- Historical importance
- Collector demand
- Certification
- Provenance
- Auction history
- Availability in the market
The 1986 Corazon Aquino coin benefits from several of these factors, especially its low reported mintage and historical subject.
What Is the Coin Worth Today?
This is one of the most common questions asked by collectors.
The answer is not as simple as saying “2,500 pesos.”
The denomination is 2,500 Piso, but the collector and precious-metal value can be considerably different from the face value.
The coin is now a historical commemorative issue rather than an ordinary coin that someone would use to buy goods in a store.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas lists the 1986 Corazon Aquino 25-piso and 2,500-piso commemorative issues as having been legal tender until April 30, 2019, with demonetization beginning May 1, 2020.
Therefore, its modern value is primarily relevant to collectors, precious-metal buyers and the numismatic market.
Current Gold Content Value
The bullion value changes as the international gold price changes.
The catalog information available from Numista currently places the approximate gold content at 0.241 troy ounce and provides an indicative bullion value based on its current gold-price data. Numista itself warns that this is an informational indication rather than a guaranteed buying or selling price.
This is important.
If the price of gold increases, the underlying gold value of the coin generally increases as well.
If the gold price decreases, the bullion component can decrease.
However, a collectible coin may sell above its melt value because of its rarity and collector demand.
Auction History of the Corazon Aquino Gold Coin
Auction records can provide a useful window into what collectors have actually paid for particular examples.
Numista records a Heritage Auctions sale dated June 29, 2025, in which an example graded NGC PR70 Ultra Cameo sold for US$1,980 including buyer's premium.
Another example, graded NGC PR69 Ultra Cameo, was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2012 for US$1,093 including buyer's premium.
These two auction results demonstrate an important principle:
A high-grade certified coin can sell for considerably more than the value of its raw gold content.
But collectors should not assume that every Corazon Aquino gold coin is worth US$1,980.
The 2025 result was for a specific certified example in a very high grade.
A raw coin, damaged coin, scratched coin or uncertified coin could have a substantially different market price.
Why Coin Condition Matters
Condition is extremely important in numismatics.
Two coins can look similar to an inexperienced collector but have very different grades.
Professional grading companies examine characteristics such as:
- Surface preservation
- Scratches
- Hairlines
- Original appearance
- Strike quality
- Luster
- Marks
- Proof characteristics
- Overall preservation
The Heritage auction example graded NGC PR70 Ultra Cameo, which is a very high grade.
This is one reason it would be misleading to say that every 1986 Corazon Aquino gold coin is automatically worth the same amount.
The exact coin matters.
What Does “Proof” Mean?
Collectors may encounter the term Proof when researching this coin.
A proof coin is generally produced using specially prepared dies and planchets to create a sharper, more polished appearance.
Proof coins can have:
- Reflective fields
- Frosted design elements
- Strong contrast
- Sharp details
A coin graded PR70 represents an exceptionally high-quality proof example under the grading system used by NGC.
Again, the grade and designation belong to that particular certified coin.
They should not automatically be applied to an ungraded coin.
What Does “Ultra Cameo” Mean?
The term Ultra Cameo is associated with strong contrast between the frosted design elements and reflective fields of a proof coin.
For collectors, an Ultra Cameo designation can make a proof coin especially attractive.
The 2025 Heritage auction record specifically identifies the example as:
NGC PR70 Ultra Cameo.
That is a very important detail when comparing auction prices.
A collector should compare coins of similar grade and certification whenever possible.
Corazon Aquino Gold Coin Versus the 25-Piso Silver Coin
One of the easiest mistakes for collectors to make is confusing the gold issue with the silver issue.
The same 1986 presidential visit was commemorated on a 25-piso silver coin.
Numista lists the 25-piso Corazon Aquino issue as:
- Year: 1986
- Denomination: 25 Piso
- Metal: .925 silver
- Weight: 18.41 grams
- Diameter: 35 mm
- Reference: KM#246
- Mintage: 1,000 according to the catalog record
The gold coin is different:
- Denomination: 2,500 Piso
- Metal: .500 gold
- Weight: 15 grams
- Diameter: 35 mm
- Reference: KM#247
- Reported mintage: 250 pieces
Therefore, anyone researching an Aquino commemorative should carefully check the denomination and metal.
Is the Corazon Aquino Piece a Gold Medal or Gold Coin?
This question is important because sellers sometimes use the word “medal” loosely.
The 1986 Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso issue is cataloged as a non-circulating commemorative coin.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also identifies the 1986 State Visit of Corazon Aquino to the United States as a 25-piso and 2,500-piso commemorative coin issue.
Therefore, when writing about the item, the more precise description is:
1986 Philippine 2,500 Piso Corazon Aquino Gold Commemorative Coin.
There are other Aquino-related medals and commemorative pieces, so identifying the exact object is important.
How to Identify the 2,500 Piso Gold Issue
If you encounter one at an antique shop, online marketplace, coin fair or private collection, examine it carefully.
Look for the following characteristics:
1. Year
The coin should be dated:
1986
2. Denomination
The obverse should identify:
2500 PISO
3. Gold designation
The reverse should include:
500/1000 FINE GOLD
4. Weight
The catalog specification is approximately:
15 grams
5. Diameter
Approximately:
35 millimeters
6. Portrait of Corazon Aquino
The obverse features Aquino facing left.
7. Portrait of Ronald Reagan
The reverse features Reagan facing right.
8. Historical inscription
The reverse identifies:
OFFICIAL WORKING VISIT • WASHINGTON, D.C. • SEPTEMBER, 1986
These characteristics together help distinguish the coin from other Aquino commemoratives.
Can Someone Fake This Coin?
Yes.
As with valuable gold coins, collectors should be cautious about counterfeits.
The fact that a piece is advertised online as “rare gold” does not automatically prove that it is genuine.
Counterfeiters can copy the appearance of collectible coins.
A fake may have:
- Incorrect weight
- Incorrect dimensions
- Incorrect metal
- Plating instead of solid alloy
- Poor lettering
- Incorrect portrait details
- Incorrect edge characteristics
- Unusual color
- Magnetic properties inconsistent with the genuine piece
However, simple home tests are not always sufficient to authenticate an expensive collectible.
Why Weight Alone Is Not Enough
Some people believe that if a coin weighs 15 grams, it must be genuine.
That is not necessarily true.
A counterfeit can sometimes be manufactured to imitate the correct weight.
Likewise, a genuine coin can have small differences due to manufacturing tolerances, measurement equipment or wear.
Therefore, authentication should involve multiple characteristics rather than one test.
For an expensive example, professional examination is much safer.
Should You Clean the Coin?
Collectors should generally avoid aggressive cleaning.
This is especially important with valuable commemorative coins.
Scrubbing, polishing, chemicals or abrasive materials can permanently damage the surface.
A coin that appears dirty may actually have an original surface that collectors value.
Cleaning can create scratches or unnatural surfaces that reduce collector appeal.
If you discover an old Corazon Aquino gold coin, the safest approach is generally to avoid polishing it before getting professional advice.
Why Historical Coins Are Valuable
A coin can have value for several different reasons.
The first is its metal.
Gold itself has intrinsic value.
The second is scarcity.
If only a limited number were produced, collectors may compete for examples.
The third is historical significance.
A coin connected to a major historical event can attract collectors interested in that period.
The fourth is condition.
A well-preserved example can be more desirable than a damaged example.
The fifth is provenance.
If a coin has a documented history of ownership or was previously sold through a respected auction house, that documentation can be valuable to collectors.
The Historical Importance of 1986
The year 1986 is one of the most recognizable years in modern Philippine history.
It was the year Corazon Aquino became president after a period of political upheaval.
The People Power Revolution became internationally recognized as an important event in the country's political history.
Therefore, objects dated 1986 and connected with the Aquino presidency can have historical significance beyond their physical materials.
This is particularly true for a commemorative coin that specifically identifies an official presidential visit.
Corazon Aquino and the United States
The relationship between the Philippines and the United States has a long history.
By 1986, the relationship was already extensive and included political, economic, military and cultural connections.
Corazon Aquino's visit to Washington occurred during a period when the new Philippine administration was establishing relationships with foreign governments.
The coin's reverse inscription provides a permanent numismatic record of the September 1986 working visit.
This gives the coin a documentary character.
A collector holding the coin is not simply holding a piece of gold.
The collector is also holding an object that records a particular diplomatic moment.
Why Collectors Study Commemorative Coins
Commemorative coins are valuable to historians because they often preserve events that governments considered important enough to recognize officially.
A commemorative coin may celebrate:
- Presidents
- Independence
- Anniversaries
- Diplomatic visits
- National achievements
- Historical personalities
- International events
- Important institutions
The Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso gold coin belongs to this broader tradition.
Its subject is both a president and a diplomatic event.
Is the 2,500 Piso Face Value Still Spendable?
No.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas states that the 1986 Corazon Aquino commemorative issues were legal tender until April 30, 2019, and were considered demonetized beginning May 1, 2020.
Therefore, collectors should not think of the 2,500-peso denomination as its modern market price.
Its collector value is determined by factors such as gold content, rarity, condition and demand.
This is common with older commemorative coins.
How Much Could a Collector Pay?
There is no guaranteed price.
The best evidence comes from actual transactions and comparable sales.
The documented Heritage Auctions results provide useful examples.
A PR69 Ultra Cameo example sold for US$1,093 in 2012, while a PR70 Ultra Cameo example sold for US$1,980 in 2025, both including buyer's premiums.
These are historical auction results for specific certified coins.
They should not be presented as a guaranteed price for every coin.
For a current valuation, collectors should compare:
- Current gold price
- Recent auction results
- Certification
- Grade
- Authenticity
- Condition
- Collector demand
- Dealer offers
- Marketplace asking prices
An asking price is not necessarily the same as a completed sale.
Gold Value Versus Collector Value
This distinction is extremely important.
Suppose the gold content is worth a certain amount based on the international gold price.
A dealer buying the coin strictly for its metal may offer an amount based largely on its melt value.
A numismatic collector, however, may be willing to pay more because the coin is scarce and historically interesting.
This difference is called the numismatic premium.
For rare collectible coins, the premium above bullion value can sometimes be substantial.
The auction records for high-grade Corazon Aquino examples illustrate why collectors should not automatically sell a rare gold commemorative simply for its melt value without researching it first.
Where Can Collectors Research the Coin?
Collectors can research the issue through several sources.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is especially useful for confirming Philippine commemorative issues and their official status.
Numismatic catalogs such as Numista can provide specifications and recorded auction results.
Major auction houses such as Heritage Auctions can provide historical examples of actual sales.
For valuable pieces, professional grading and authentication services can also be considered.
What Should a Buyer Ask a Seller?
If someone is offering a Corazon Aquino gold coin, ask for details.
A responsible seller should be able to provide information such as:
- Exact denomination
- Year
- Weight
- Diameter
- Gold fineness
- Certification, if any
- Clear photographs
- Provenance, if available
- Asking price
- Return policy
If the seller refuses to provide basic information, the buyer should be cautious.
Beware of “Millions of Pesos” Claims
Collectors frequently encounter sensational claims on social media about old coins supposedly worth millions.
Such claims should be treated carefully.
A coin being old does not automatically make it extremely valuable.
A coin being gold does not automatically mean it is worth millions.
A coin having a famous person's portrait does not automatically make it rare.
The correct approach is to verify the exact issue, metal, mintage, condition and comparable sales.
For the Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso gold coin, there are documented auction records that provide a much more useful reference than unsupported social-media claims.
Could Gold Prices Affect Its Future Value?
Yes.
Because the coin contains gold, changes in the international gold market can influence its underlying bullion value.
However, the collectible premium can move independently.
For example, collector demand could increase even if gold prices remain relatively stable.
Likewise, a coin can have a high gold value but still have limited numismatic demand.
Therefore, the market value of a collectible gold coin is a combination of:
Precious-metal value + collector demand + rarity + condition + historical significance.
Why the Low Mintage Is Important
The reported mintage of 250 pieces is one of the most interesting characteristics of the issue.
For comparison, many modern commemorative products are produced in much larger quantities.
A mintage of only 250 means that the original issue was relatively limited.
However, collectors should remember that not all 250 pieces necessarily remain in private collections.
Some may have been lost, damaged, melted, preserved in institutional collections or held by collectors for decades.
The actual number available for sale at any particular moment may therefore be much smaller.
The Importance of Certification
Certification can be especially useful for valuable coins.
A recognized grading company examines the coin and places it in a protective holder.
The certification label normally identifies:
- Coin
- Date
- Grade
- Certification number
- Special designation when applicable
For expensive examples, certification can make buying and selling easier because the buyer has an independent grading reference.
The Heritage auction examples demonstrate the importance of certification because the recorded coins were identified by NGC grades.
Should Every Coin Be Graded?
Not necessarily.
Professional grading costs money.
For an inexpensive coin, the cost of certification may not be worthwhile.
But for a rare gold commemorative coin, especially one with a potentially significant market value, professional authentication and grading may be worth considering.
Collectors should compare the potential value of the coin against the cost of professional services.
How to Store the Coin
Proper storage is important.
Avoid storing the coin loosely with other coins where it can rub against them.
Use an appropriate coin capsule or certified holder.
Avoid touching the surfaces unnecessarily.
Oil and dirt from fingers can contaminate surfaces.
Hold the coin by its edge when handling it.
Keep it away from harsh chemicals, excessive humidity and unnecessary exposure to scratches.
A collector who preserves the coin properly may help maintain its condition over many years.
Why the Coin Is Important to Philippine Collectors
For Filipino collectors, this issue has a special historical connection.
It represents a Philippine president during the first year of her presidency.
It also records a significant international visit.
The coin's design combines Philippine and American presidential imagery.
That makes it a useful historical object for collectors interested in Philippine politics, international relations and numismatics.
Corazon Aquino Coins and the Larger Philippine Numismatic Market
The Philippines has produced many commemorative coins featuring important people and events.
The Aquino gold coin is part of a much larger tradition.
Other Philippine commemorative gold coins have featured subjects such as:
- Douglas MacArthur
- Pope John Paul II
- APEC
- Historical anniversaries
- Presidential and diplomatic events
The Numista catalog lists several Philippine commemorative gold issues from different decades, showing how the country used precious-metal coins to commemorate important events and personalities.
This makes Philippine commemorative coins an interesting collecting category.
A Coin With Two Types of History
The Corazon Aquino gold coin has two stories.
The first story is the history of the Philippines in 1986.
The second story is the history of the coin itself.
The first concerns Corazon Aquino, the presidential transition and her visit to Washington.
The second concerns the coin's production, survival, collecting history, auction appearances and changing market value.
That combination is what makes old commemorative coins so fascinating.
Why Collectors Should Not Focus Only on Gold
If someone looks only at the gold content, they may miss an important part of the coin's significance.
The coin is also a historical artifact.
It records:
- A Philippine presidency
- A diplomatic visit
- A particular year
- A specific political period
- A relationship between two countries
- A limited commemorative issue
Therefore, its value cannot always be reduced to the price of the gold.
Is It a Good Coin for a Collection?
Collectors have different interests.
Some collect only Philippine circulating coins.
Others specialize in gold.
Some collect presidential coins.
Others collect coins connected to historical events.
The Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso coin can appeal to several of these collecting categories simultaneously.
A collector interested in Philippine presidential history may want it.
A collector of Philippine gold coins may want it.
A collector of diplomatic commemoratives may want it.
A collector of 1986 historical objects may also find it interesting.
What Makes This Coin Different From Ordinary Philippine Coins?
An ordinary circulating coin is produced primarily to facilitate commerce.
A commemorative gold coin has a different purpose.
It is intended to recognize a person, event or historical occasion.
The Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso coin was therefore created with collecting and commemoration in mind.
Its precious-metal composition and limited reported mintage reinforce that collector-oriented nature.
Final Collector's Checklist
If you believe you have a 1986 Corazon Aquino gold coin, check these characteristics:
Date: 1986
Denomination: 2,500 Piso
Metal: Gold
Fineness: .500
Weight: approximately 15 grams
Diameter: approximately 35 millimeters
Obverse: Corazon Aquino
Reverse: Ronald Reagan
Reverse inscription: Official Working Visit, Washington, D.C., September 1986
Gold inscription: 500/1000 Fine Gold
Reported mintage: 250 pieces
Catalog reference: KM#247 / Schön#88
If your item matches these characteristics, you may have the 1986 Philippine 2,500 Piso Corazon Aquino commemorative gold coin.
Final Thoughts
The 1986 Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso gold commemorative coin is an interesting piece of Philippine numismatic history.
It was issued during a major turning point in the country's modern history and commemorates Corazon Aquino's official working visit to Washington, D.C., in September 1986.
The coin contains .500 fine gold, weighs approximately 15 grams, measures approximately 35 millimeters, and features Corazon Aquino on the obverse and Ronald Reagan on the reverse. Numista reports a mintage of 250 pieces, making it a particularly limited Philippine commemorative issue.
The coin's historical and collector importance is also demonstrated by documented auction sales. Heritage Auctions recorded a PR70 Ultra Cameo example selling for US$1,980 in 2025, while a PR69 Ultra Cameo example sold for US$1,093 in 2012. These figures are useful historical references, but they are not guarantees of what an individual coin would sell for today.
Collectors should also remember that this is different from the 25-piso silver Corazon Aquino commemorative coin, which was also issued in connection with the 1986 U.S. visit.
The best way to evaluate an example is to verify its authenticity, specifications, condition and certification, then compare it with recent completed sales.
Most importantly, do not rely on viral claims that an old coin is automatically worth millions of pesos. Serious numismatics is based on documented information, verified specifications and actual market transactions.
For anyone interested in Philippine coins, the Corazon Aquino 1986 gold commemorative coin is a fascinating reminder that a small piece of metal can preserve a much larger story.
It represents a moment in Philippine history, a presidential visit, a period of diplomatic relations and the beginning of a new chapter in the country's political history.
For collectors, that combination of gold, rarity, history and artistry is what makes the 1986 Corazon Aquino 2,500 Piso gold coin worthy of attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Corazon Aquino 1986 coin made of real gold?
Yes. The 2,500 Piso issue is cataloged as .500 fine gold, meaning approximately 50% of its alloy is gold.
How much does the coin weigh?
The cataloged weight is approximately 15 grams.
How much pure gold is in it?
Using the cataloged 15-gram weight and .500 fineness, the approximate pure-gold content is 7.5 grams, or about 0.241 troy ounce.
How many were made?
Numista reports a mintage of 250 pieces.
What is the denomination?
The denomination is 2,500 Piso.
Who is on the coin?
The obverse features Corazon Aquino, while the reverse features Ronald Reagan.
Why is Ronald Reagan on the back?
The coin commemorates Corazon Aquino's official working visit to Washington, D.C., in September 1986.
Is it still legal tender?
The BSP lists the 1986 commemorative issue as legal tender until April 30, 2019, with demonetization beginning May 1, 2020.
How much is it worth?
Its market value depends on gold prices, condition, authenticity, certification and collector demand. Documented Heritage Auctions results include US$1,093 for an NGC PR69 Ultra Cameo example in 2012 and US$1,980 for an NGC PR70 Ultra Cameo example in 2025.
Is it a coin or a medal?
The 2,500 Piso piece is cataloged as a non-circulating commemorative coin. There are also other Corazon Aquino medals and commemorative pieces, so the exact item should always be identified before assigning a value.
Should I clean an old Corazon Aquino gold coin?
Collectors should generally avoid polishing or aggressively cleaning a potentially valuable coin because cleaning can damage the surface and affect its collector value.
Important Note for Collectors
Prices in this article are provided for educational and research purposes. The auction results cited are historical sales of specific certified examples, not guaranteed prices for every Corazon Aquino gold coin.
Before buying or selling a valuable coin, verify the specifications, authenticity, condition, certification and recent completed sales.
References: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas commemorative coin information; Numista catalog records; Heritage Auctions historical sales.
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