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MANILA MINT OPENING
1920
(WILSON DOLLAR)
MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Medals commemorate opening of United States Mint in
Manila, Philippine Islands, July 16, 1920--only overseas mint ever
established by our country.
Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan 1521, conquered by
Spain 1565 and ruled by her for more than 300 years, Philippine Islands were
ceded to United States by treaty Dec. 10, 1898, following Spanish-American
War. Filipinos, unable to obtain complete independence from U.S. after war,
started guerrilla warfare Feb. 4, 1899; finally crushed with capture of
their leader, Emilio Aguinaldo, March 23, 1901.
As conciliatory act, U.S. in 1903 began to strike
special series of Philippine Islands coins to replace Spanish colonial
issues then in use; coins struck at both Philadelphia and San Francisco
Mints, 1903-1908 at former and 1903-1920 (1 centavo only in 1920) at latter.
These issues have become the only "colonial' coinage ever struck under U.S.
authority. In meantime, Bureau of Mint, U.S. Treasury Department, proceeded
with plans for Islands to have own mint; Insular Treasurer A. P. Fitzsimmons
named Mint Director ad interim May 20, 1919; electrically operated coining
equipment made in Philadelphia Mint machine shop; mint formally opened
following year.
Medals designed by Clifford Hewitt who installed
equipment and taught natives its operation; dies by George Morgan of
Philadelphia Mint. Issue limited to 2,200 Silver and 3,700 Copper pieces;
sold for $1 and 50 cents, respectively. Only 5 Gold pieces reportedly
struck: One was presented to President Woodrow Wilson and one to the U.S.
Secretary of War, three retained in the Philippines were lost during World
War II.
 
Photos courtesy of John Dean
Obv. Pres. Woodrow Wilson, bust facing to l.;
above, around, President • of • the • United • States;
beaded border.
Rev. Justice, kneeling l., scales in upraised r.
hand, rests l. hand upon shoulder of nude youth who is pouring planchets
from cornucopia into coin press; above all, around To Commemorate the
opening of the Mint; below all Manila P.I. / 1920 (incuse
in oval); microscopic M to r. behind l. foot of Justice.
HK-449 Silver. 38mm.
HK-450 Copper.
HK-1031 Gold.
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