The 10 centavos coin from the United States-administered Philippines in 1944 is an important piece of history, marking the final year of U.S. colonial rule in the Philippines and the end of a tumultuous period during World War II. Here are the details of the 10 centavos coin minted in 1944 in Denver:

Design:

  • Obverse: The obverse of the coin features a young woman standing beside an anvil, holding a hammer in her right hand. This symbolizes industry. The denomination "TWENTY CENTAVOS" is inscribed around the upper rim, while "FILIPINAS" appears at the bottom. The date "1944" is displayed at the right.
  • Reverse: The reverse side features the national coat of arms of the Philippines. It shows an eagle above a shield that contains a lion and a star, symbolizing the close ties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

Composition:

  • The coin is composed of 75% silver and 25% copper, which was a standard composition for silver coins during that era.
  • The diameter of the coin is approximately 20.5 mm, and it has a reeded edge.

Mint Mark:

  • The mint mark, "D," can be found on the reverse side of the coin. It indicates that the coin was minted at the Denver Mint in the United States.

Historical Context:

  • The 1944 coin is notable because it marks the last year that coins were minted for the Philippines under U.S. administration. The Philippines had been under U.S. sovereignty since the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898, but was granted independence on July 4, 1946.
  • This coin was minted at a time when the Philippines was recovering from the devastation of World War II, which included battles such as the Battle of Manila. The coin is a tangible piece of the transitional period leading up to the country's independence.

Numismatic Significance:

  • Coins from this period hold significant historical and numismatic value. They offer a snapshot of U.S.-Philippine relations during a pivotal time and are often sought after by collectors interested in the history of the Philippines and U.S. coinage.

Collecting coins from this period, especially with the Denver mint mark, can be a rewarding experience for those interested in the rich history of U.S.-Philippine relations and the broader context of World War II.