PHILIPPINES, Culion Leper Colony. AL 1 Peso (35mm, 13.55 g, 6h). Manila mint. Dated 1922 PhM.

Electronic Auction 520
Lot: 630. Estimated: $ 100

World, Aluminum

Sold For $ 200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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PHILIPPINES, Culion Leper Colony. AL 1 Peso (35mm, 13.55 g, 6h). Manila mint. Dated 1922 PhM. Denomination in two lines; mintmark PhM in incuse monogram / Caduceus. Basso 211; KM 15. Faint hairlines, scratches. VF.

From the Hendin Family Collection. Ex Aaron Hendin, MD (1918-1990), by bequest.

Prior to the developments of antileprosy drugs in the mid 20th century, the sole method of containment for disease was isolation of infected individuals. Leprosy was considered by the American administration in the Philippines to be a major public health concern and, to that end, the Philippine Public Health Service established a major leper colony on the island of Culion, about 150 miles from Manila. The disease was then thought to be contracted through close physical contact, leading to concern from medical professionals about its spread via coins. Six issues of base metal coins were produced for the Culion Leper Colony between 1913 and 1930, with 1920 and later issues struck at the mint in Manila. After the mid-1930s, public policy shifted, allowing infected people to live closer to their communities in smaller leprosia, and the population began to dwindle.

Closing Date and Time: 20 July 2022 at 13:29:40 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.