Whitman Expo
1918-S U.S. Philippines, Mule 5 Centavos MS Allen-4.08b, FS-901 Values
Details
The reverse has a smaller date than normal, and a larger eagle and shield. In 1907 the diameters of Philippine silver coins were made smaller as a way to reduce bullion costs. The twenty-centavo piece was reduced from 23 mm to 20 mm, making its diameter very close to that of the five-centavo (20.5 mm). In 1918 a worker at the San Francisco Mint used a twenty-centavo reverse die, either by accident or as an expedient, for part of the year’s five-centavo production. (After a similar occurrence in 1928, the five-centavo diameter was reduced to 19 mm in 1930.) Collectors have known about this popular and very scarce “mule” (as a mismatching of dies is called) since 1922.
Reverse: An eagle is portrayed in the center atop an American shield with 13 stars. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is written around the periphery with the date at the bottom.
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
2,780,000
Coinage Type:
U.S. Philippines Coinage
Coinage Years:
1903-1935
Composition:
Copper-nickel
Mint Mark:
S
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
U.S. Philippines, Mule
Variety 2:
Allen-4.08b, FS-901
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.176 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
20.5 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Melico Figueroa
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