P1 coin commemorates Asean chairmanship

The P1 Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) 2017 commemorative coin was of­ficially unveiled by President Duterte and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. during the launch of the Philippines’ Asean 2017 Chairmanship in Davao City on January 15.

The obverse side of the coin bears the various elements of the logo of the Philippines’ chairship of the Asean in 2017. It includes 10 stars representing the 10 member-states with their names engraved in micro text on the right side. On the edge is the theme “Partnering for Change, Engaging the World.”

The Asean emblem is at the center with the images of the sun and dove symbolizing prosperity and peace, while the Filipino ancient alphabet bayba­yin mintmark of the BSP Mint appears at the bottom.

The reverse side depicts the relief of the Rizal Mon­ument. The seal of the BSP appears on the right side with the micro text “Asean 2017” filling the background.

The markings “REPUB­LIKA NG PILIPINAS” are engraved on the upper right. The coin’s denomination ap­pears in the lower side of the coin and below it is the list of the Aseanmember states.

The issuance of the coin aims to memorialize the Philip­pines’ chairmanship of the Ase­an in 2017.

Additionally, the coins, be­ing legal tender, can easily reach the public and promote greater awareness of the Asean cooper­ation. The BSP will produce 10 million pieces of the commem­orative coin for general circula­tion in 2017.