By PCGS - May 16, 2025
Guinness World Records once considered this note to be the largest-sized legal-tender note issued |
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PCGS Grades Rare Philippines 100,000 Pisos Note
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(Santa Ana, California) – Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) recently graded a rare and historic modern banknote from The Philippines once declared by Guinness World Records to be the largest-sized banknote ever printed. The 1998 Philippines 100,000 Piso banknote, which saw only 1,000 produced, was massive both in physical size and monetary value. It was printed to mark the centennial of the nation’s independence from Spain and measures 8.5 inches by 14 inches. One specimen of this unusual note was recently submitted to PCGS for encapsulation and graded Gem UNC 66 PPQ.
“We always love to see unusual pieces come into the grading room,” said PCGS President Stephanie Sabin. “But to witness this massive banknote, larger than virtually any other circulating piece of paper currency in existence and approximately the size of a sheet of legal paper, is stunning. It’s a true testament not just to the trust that collectors and dealers place in us but also reflects the great diversity of collectibles that we encapsulate at PCGS.”
The Philippines 100,000 Piso Centennial banknote was submitted by Team Crown Currency Auctions (https://crowncurrencyauctions.com). It carries a fascinating history and is “rare in such an elite grade,” as Oleg Banachek of Team Crown Currency Auctions said, referencing information from Lovely Frias Manjares of NUMISTREASURES (https://www.numistreasures.com). “The Guinness Book of World Records considered this to be the largest-sized legal tender note ever issued until 2017 when it was surpassed by Malaysia's 600 Ringgit,” Banachek added of the note, worth approximately $1,750 United States dollars.
Banachek said that the 100,000 Filipino Piso commemorative note was “never intended for general circulation” and features a panoramic image of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, which was signed on June 12, 1898, at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. “[They were] all made of high-quality cotton and abaca fiber paper and printed with intaglio technology, typically used for high-denomination banknotes around the world. When first offered to the public, collectors paid 200,000 piso per note, which is double the face value.”
The note was demonetized in 2018 yet as Banachek remarked, “is still highly prized in the numismatic community.” He added, “Its historical context and unique characteristics make it a trophy piece. One of the auctions set a record sale price of €4,800 (approximately $5,480 USD), including buyer’s premium — a clear indication of the note’s enduring appeal and value in the global collecting community.”
For more information about submitting banknotes to PCGS for grading, visit https://www.pcgs.com/banknote.
About Professional Coin Grading Service
Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) is a third-party coin and banknote grading company that was launched in 1986. PCGS is a division of Collectors Universe, Inc., a leading provider of authentication, grading, and collection management services to the collectibles market. Over 35 years, PCGS has examined and certified more than 57 million U.S. and world coins, medals, and tokens with a combined value of over $55.4 billion. For more information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, please visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
Article provided by PCGS at www.pcgs.com