KM 172, six year type, issued while the islands were under U. S. control. Silver crown, with the U. S. shield on the reverse.

Most of the US-era silver coinage of the islands shows significant signs of cleaning. In 1942, when Japanese forces were in the process of conquering the islands, all the gold and silver coins were called into Manila. The gold and some of the silver bullion was sent to the mainland USA via submarine. The vast majority of the silver coins were sunk into Manila Bay in crates. During the Japanese occupation, prisoner divers were forced to recover some of the silver, but the divers did their best to prevent the Japanese from recovering the treasure, and much of it was not recovered until nearly 30 years later.

For these coins, cleaning and water salvage is a reminder of the efforts of resistance against invading forces.

We invite you to view our other eBay lots, and visit our eBay store, to see coins from a wide variety of locations throughout the world.

Domestic Buyer pays $3.50 for postage, handling and insurance. For an international Buyer, shipping includes postage, handling and insurance; this may require Registered Mail or Priority Mail International, for countries not covered by our international shipping insurance policy. Accurate Customs documentation will be attached to international shipments. (This is a change in wording, not a change in our policies.)

Shipping for Canada, Australia and the UK depends upon how you wish for it to be shipped: (1) Registered Mail will cost about $16; or (2) First Class Mail International (insured via a non-Post Office insurer) will cost about $4. Additional items can be added to the envelope for about $0.40 per ounce (for Canada) or $1 per ounce (for Australia and the UK), plus $1 per $100 value for additional coverage.

14 day return privilege for any reason, provided that the coin holder has not been opened.

If you are bidding on other auctions we have on eBay or in our eBay store, please note that we combine shipments to reduce your postage costs whenever possible. Please contact us for combined shipping costs.