Piloncito ND


Gold (.999)	2.70 g	-

Description

Issuer	Philippines
Years	900-1199
Composition	Gold (.999)
Weight	2.70 g
Shape	Round (irregular)
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	Yes
Updated	2024-10-07

References

Numista	N#178768
Rarity index	90%

Reverse

Round-like bump on the back

Edge

Plain

Comment

Since ancient times, gold has been one of the main products of the islands. Both ancient and modern goldsmiths exude exquisiteness in their craftsmanship for trade, personal vanity and prestige. Piloncitos are the earliest form of precious metal based currency of Tondo, Namayan and Rajahnate of Butuan in present-day Philippines. It is likely made of pure gold with a weight ranging between 0.5 grams to more or less than 3 grams. Piloncitos are tiny engraved bead-like gold bits unearthed in the Philippines. They are the first recognized coinage in the Philippines circulated between the 9th and 12th centuries. They emerged when increasing trade made barter inconvenient.

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