Lot 10270 – Philippines, piloncito, anonymous and undated, c. 10th-11th century, AV, 2.28 g.

Philippines, piloncito, anonymous and undated, c. 10th-11th century, AV, 2.28 g. (8 mm). pre-Hispanic bead-like coin with a Tagalog character representing the syllable ‘ma’; the meaning of this letter is uncertain, but the character is found only on Philippine piloncitos, which differentiates these from very similar counterparts from Java and Siam. The piloncitos range in weight from 2.65 g. to as little as 0.09 g. and the uniformity of appearance indicates this is a separate coinage used by ancient Filipinos.

AU+, well-struck and lustrous surfaces.

Very rare and near mint condition. Ex Stacks and Bowers Galleries, Feb. 2020, World Collectors Choice Online Auction – World Coins Part 2, lot 71432 (hammer 3600 usd).

Ex Chand Collection