Philippine Medals (1920)

About This Series

Anchored by the celebrated Wilson Dollar — a so-called dollar medal produced for the grand opening of the Manila Mint on July 15, 1920 — these medals bridge American and Philippine numismatic traditions during the territorial period. The Manila Mint was the only U.S. branch mint ever established outside the continental United States, representing a significant investment in Philippine economic infrastructure under American governance. The Wilson Dollar features President Woodrow Wilson's portrait on the obverse with the new mint building on the reverse, struck in silver-washed bronze and rarer silver compositions. It was distributed to dignitaries attending the inaugural ceremony of a facility that would produce Philippine coins from 1920 until the Japanese invasion forced closure in 1941. The Manila Mint's establishment reflected American policy of building institutional capacity in the Philippines as a precursor to eventual independence. These medals hold significance for collectors of both Philippine numismatics and so-called dollars.