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Unique 1820 Philippines (Spanish Colony) Octavo
Finest Known and Only MS 65 Double Struck
This 1820 Philippines (Spanish Colony) Octavo is unique in two important ways. It is the finest known and only MS 65 example certified by NGC or PCGS. It is also a spectacular mint error and was double struck. It is in gem mint state condition with incredible mint luster and hints of red throughout the surfaces. This coin is extremely rare in high grades and there are only two known graded MS 64, one of which sold in a Heritage Auction in December of 2025 for $15,600. Both this MS 64 example and this unique MS 65 were in the world famous Mahal Collection of Spanish and U.S. Philippines Coins.
Struck in the Philippines at the Manila Mint, this Octavo type was issued as a circulation coin from 1820-1830 with a value of ⅛ Real. It was struck in copper with a diameter of 18mm and features King Ferdinand VII of Spain on the obverse and a crowned Spanish coat of arms on the reverse. This octavo type was notoriously crudely struck with very few examples known in choice mint state or better. It is a highly collectible scarce copper coin due to its historical significance and rarity.
Ferdinand VII was King of Spain during the early 19th century. Spain's influence and power extended throughout its colonies including the Philippines. The Philippines were a strategic and religious outpost for the Spanish empire, especially after Spain lost its Latin American colonies. King Ferdinand VII never visited the Philippines but ruled the islands through the Governor-General and the Council of the Indies. When Mexico gained its independence in 1821, the Philippines were governed directly by Madrid. The Philippines became one of the last colonies of the Spanish empire as Spain's power and influence waned throughout the world.
This amazingly preserved and double struck 1820 Philippines (Spanish Colony) Octavo belongs in world class collection of Spanish and Philippines coins or in a collection of unique and historical mint errors.
Heritage Auctions sold one of only two known certified MS 64 examples on December 6, 2025 for $15,600.00 (lot #33001).
