The 1918-S United States Philippines 1 centavo coin is a notable example from the period when the Philippines was a U.S. territory. Here are the details of the 1918-S 1 centavo coin graded PCGS AU55BN:

Coin Description:

• Design:
  • Obverse: The obverse of the coin features a young man seated beside an anvil, symbolizing the industry of the Philippines. The denomination "ONE CENTAVO" is inscribed above, while "FILIPINAS" is inscribed at the bottom. The date "1918" is located to the right of the seated figure.
  • Reverse: The reverse of the coin displays an eagle perched atop a shield that features a lion and a star, representing the United States and the Philippines, respectively. The legend "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" encircles the top half of the reverse design.
• Composition:
  • The coin is composed of bronze, an alloy of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc.
• Mint Mark:
  • The mint mark "S" is located on the reverse side of the coin, just above the eagle's head. This indicates that the coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint.

Grading:

• PCGS AU55BN:
  • AU55: "AU" stands for "About Uncirculated" or "Almost Uncirculated." A grade of AU55 from PCGS indicates that the coin retains most of its original luster, with minimal wear on high points of the design. Some minor surface imperfections and contact marks may be present, but overall, the coin is well-preserved and retains much of its original detail.
  • BN: This stands for "Brown" and refers to the color of the coin. It may have mellowed over time from its original reddish-orange hue to a deeper brown patina.

Historical Context:

• The United States controlled the Philippines from 1898 until 1946. During this time, the U.S. Mint produced coins for circulation in the Philippines, reflecting both Filipino and American elements in their designs.
• The 1918-S 1 centavo coin was minted during the later years of the American administration in the Philippines. This coin is a tangible piece of the shared history between the U.S. and the Philippines.
• Coins from this era and region offer a snapshot of the historical period and relations between the two nations.

Collecting a 1918-S 1 centavo coin graded PCGS AU55BN offers both historical and numismatic value. The coin's well-preserved state and the context of its production make it a desirable piece for collectors interested in the history of U.S. coinage in the Philippines.