Philippines - 1978 - Annual Proof Coin Set

Philippines - 1978 - Annual Proof Coin Set

1978 PROOF SET—COINAGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

The 1978 coinage of the Republic of the Philippines includes two coins bearing special commemorative designs honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of "the father of Philippine independence"—Manuel L. Quezon. The fifty-piso coin, minted in sterling silver, bears a portrait of Quezon who, as first president of the Philippine Commonwealth, was the prime architect of its nationhood. Appropriately, the Commonwealth's official seal is also depicted on the coin. Born in 1878 on the island of Luzon, Quezon was elected president of the Commonwealth in 1935. In this capacity he launched a program to promote social justice and began construction of Quezon City, a new national capital.

Complementing this coin is the twenty-five-piso piece, minted in .500 fine silver. Its new design features the Quezon Memorial, which rises more than 200 feet above Quezon City—the nation's capital. The remaining coins in the set honor distinguished figures in the nation's proud history. The five-piso coin, for example, pays tribute to Ferdinand E. Marcos, the much-decorated hero of World War II who is today the president of the Philippines.