The Bank of the Philippine Islands is actually a private institution, and functioned in the Philippines much like a National Bank did in the United States up until 1935. Until 1912 it was known as the Banco Español Filipino, but along with the United States administration and the adoption of English as a primary language of business and government in the Philippines the bank changed to the title in English. This bank continues to exists, and is one of the largest financial institutions doing business in the Philippines. These notes were designed and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington DC, and the BEP retained rights to the images on the notes. In particular the vignettes from the 10 Peso note were later used on a Series 521 $5 MPC during the 1950's, whilst the vignette of "The Bouquet" by Edward Felver used on the 50 Peso note was later used on this Series 661 MPC $20 during the 1960's:
Real beauties there SM... You can see the American influence on these notes. Looks like they were engraved from The American Bank Note Company and carry an uncanny mock of some US Gold notes (the $10 note reverse) and scripting. Hummm..understand the BEP influence here as you mentioned. Know little about the Phillipine Currency, except that the US was a crucial alli and has had a long time relationship with that chain of Islands. I was once stationed in Subic Bay Marine Barracks (Cubi Point, PI) Beautiful place once outside of the base!! RickieB
love the old philippines notes. next to US currency they are my favorite. very nice notes. clean and sharp:hail:
