These are nice old coins. Back in these times, the Philippines was under US administration, and coins were minted by the United States for use there -- both in San Fransisco (the S mint mark) and Manila (the M or no mint mark).

There are a two denominations and several dates associated with these coins. They all have the same man/anvil/volcano pattern on the front, with two types of eagle/shield patterns on the back as follows:

1/2 CENTAVO: 1903 to 1908, bronze, 16 mm diameter, striped shield
1 CENTAVO: 1903 to 1936, bronze, 24 mm diameter, striped shield
1 CENTAVO: 1937 to 1944, bronze, 24 mm diameter, shield with oval
5 CENTAVOS: 1903 to 1928, copper nickel, 21 mm diameter, striped shield
5 CENTAVOS: 1930 to 1935, copper nickel, 19 mm diameter, striped shield
5 CENTAVOS: 1937 to 1945, copper nickel, 19 mm diameter, shield with oval

Some of the older dates of these coins have decent collectible value, especially as condition improves. For common dates, the catalogs report the following approximate values. See below for uncommon, more valuable, dates.

1/2 CENTAVO 1903 TO 1944
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $4
fully uncirculated: $10

1 CENTAVO 1903 TO 1944
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated: $25
1 centavos dated 1903 and 1904 are common, divide these values by four
1 centavos dated 1944S are very common, cataloging at only $4 in fully uncirculated condition

5 CENTAVO 1903 TO 1945
worn: $2 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $6
well preserved: $18
fully uncirculated: $50
5 centavos dated 1903 and 1904 are common, divide these values by four
5 centavos dated 1944 and 1945 are very common, cataloging at only $2 in fully uncirculated condition

Some coins are worth more, depending on date and mint mark. The dollar amount after the year given below is for coins in average circulated condition.

1/2 CENTAVO BETTER DATES
1905 to 1908: $300 (these are all proof coins)

1 CENTAVO BETTER DATES
1909S: $10
1915S: $40
1916S: $8
1920S: $8

5 CENTAVOS BETTER DATES
1905 to 1908: $200 (these are all proof coins)
1916S: $80
1925M: $20

The values supplied on this page only apply to coins free of any problems like cleanings, stains, holes, nicks or gouges. Be sure to check out the 'Important Terminology' page on the top left to properly interpret these catalog values.