Project owner: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Describe the project nominated
On 26 March 2018, the BSP released into circulation the New Generation Currency (NGC) Coin Series comprised of the 10-Piso, 5-Piso, 1-Piso, 25-Sentimo, 5-Sentimo and 1-Sentimo.
The NGC Coin Series features enhanced design aesthetics and security of the coins. In particular, micro-printed details using laser-engraving technology were included in the two highest denominated coins, the 10-Piso and 5-Piso, which makes it difficult for these coins to be duplicated using traditional coin counterfeiting methods. The metallic composition of the NGC coins also discourages the illegal practice of hoarding large quantities of coins for the extraction of their metal content.
The coins, which appear as “metallic silver”, are made from durable nickel-plated steel that possess very good wear and corrosion resistance. The change in material addresses concerns on discoloration predominantly observed for copper-based metals.
Coins in the NGC Series feature the new BSP logo, three national heroes (Apolinario Mabini in the 10-Piso, Andres Bonifacio in the 5-Piso and Jose Rizal in the 1-Piso), a stylized Philippine flag in the 25-, 5- and 1-Sentimo, and Philippine endemic flora.
Innovation of the design
The BSP introduced the NGC Coin Series with the adoption of design features that enhance the security of the coins. The inclusion of micro-printed details (micro-prints, micro dots and edge lettering) using laser engraving technology, not only enhance aesthetics, but more importantly, make it difficult for these coins to be duplicated using traditional coin counterfeiting methods. The metallic composition of the NGC coins also discourages the illegal practice of hoarding large quantities of coins for the extraction of its metal content, which has happened in the past. The coins, which appear as “metallic silver”, are made from durable nickel-plated steel, which possess very good wear and corrosion resistance. The change in material from copper-based substrates and coatings for most of the coins in the previous series, addresses concerns on discoloration which has been predominantly observed for these types of metals.
Uniqueness
The new Philippine coins strongly promote patriotism as this new coin series features national heroes, the Philippine flag, and endemic flora unique to the country.
Enhanced security features were also incorporated in the new design elements of the NGC coins.
Historical or Local Content
The New Generation Currency (NGC) Coin Series features the endemic flora of the Philippines: the kapa-kapa, tayabak, waling-waling, katmon, kapal-kapal baging, and mangkono whose varying characteristics of beauty, toughness, versatility, and adaptability run parallel to Filipinos’ resilience and grace under pressure, facing adversity head-on but with a smile, carrying on to greater heights, and never losing but letting that distinct Philippine identity shine through.
The NGC Coin Series also feature the new BSP logo, three national heroes (Apolinario Mabini in the 10-Piso, Andres Bonifacio in the 5-Piso and Jose Rizal in the 1-Piso), and a stylized Philippine flag.
Denomination Differentiation and Integration of Security Features with Graphic Design
The denominations are differentiated by their design, diameter, edge thickness, coin edge profile and weight. Each denomination features a unique endemic flora: kapa-kapa for 10-Piso, tayabak for 5-Piso, waling-waling for 1-Piso, katmon for 25-Sentimo, kapal-kapal baging for the 5-Sentimo, and mangkono for 1-Sentimo.
The inclusion of micro-printed details in the design (micro-prints, edge lettering and micro dots) using laser engraving technology, not only enhance aesthetics, but more importantly, make it difficult for these coins to be duplicated using traditional coin counterfeiting methods.
Feedback from Stakeholders, Including the General Public
The videos and infographics for the NGC Coin-Ed Program posted online resulted to a social media reach of 14.2 million unique users. NGC coins were well-received by the general public as 83 percent of the 143,147 reactions gathered from Facebook posts on the new coins were “likes” and “loves.” The said posts have likewise been shared 69,714 times. Also, 78 percent of the participants of briefings by the BSP on the NGC coins were satisfied with the new coins. With increased usage over time, the NGC coins with its new and unique features gained greater popularity.
