1906-M USPI Proof Peso Fantasy - Who minted this?

Zoins

I've seen these show up a few times now, and always from sellers in Manila, Philippines.

Does anyone know more information about who struck these and the story behind these?

The slab says AST Monetarivm Phlippinarvm:

Zoins

Here's a YouTube video on these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXPyk_yXvvM

Zoins

Here's their Facebook page under "AST - Monetarium" with logo:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077069761004

This is interesting. Their manufacturer is okay with silver-plated but not okay with .999 silver:

AST MONETARIUM said:
We regret to inform you that AST MONETARIUM will be discontinuing the 0.999 Fine Silver 1906 M One Peso Fantasy Coin Issue. This is due to our manufacturer refusing to make them in FINE SILVER due to the risk of legal actions due to its composition (precious metal imports/exports should indicate its purity and composition). At the time we were taking our orders , the supplier agreed to make them also in silver with the same dies.But earlier yesterday, they updated us that it is too risky for them to make it in 0.999 silver version with the current design because of the regulations on exports and imports of precious metals . They asked us to revise the design and have to replace the the One Peso with "1 oz 0.999 FINE SILVER" or "Ag 9999" or at least put the word 0.999 FINE SILVER or the like in the field to avoid any problem with the customs regulations for precious metal imports/exports for stating its composition and purity . They stated that they are only allowed for the production of the zinc alloy version with the original 1906 M ONE PESO design and will just refund the payment for the first kilogram silver that we initially ordered - it should be shipped by the end of the month. We asked for other suppliers about this matter but get the same answers (Bellow are the proposed designs given by the manufacturers ) . Therefore, we sincerely apologize to our valued customers for deciding to discontinue the 1906 M ONE PESO Fantasy Coin (SILVER VERSION) altogether for the suggested revisions will become a bullion type and not a Fantasy/Copy type - far different from what we originally offered. The Alfonso XIII silver 10c -50c fantasy set issue will also be discontinued due to similar concerns. Non precious metal issues are possible but will require significant increase in mintage on each design due to their smaller sizes (our manufacturer requires a minimum weight per design ) - making them less desirable and harder to sell. In light with this, we will instead be releasing our first design and special AST-Monetarium Silver plated and 0.999 Silver Commemorative medals this august to celebrate the National Heroes Day. We might adopt the second design of 1906 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - FILIPINAS 0.9999 SILVER BULLION in the future with few variation of the weights from 0.10 oz, 0.20 oz, 0.50 oz and 1 oz, a silver replacement to the 10c-1 Peso denominations.Further details will be posted on this page ASAP.

ricko

Too bad about the regulations.... Not much interest unless the coins are pure silver... speaking for myself anyway. Cheers, RickO

Zoins

@ricko said:
Too bad about the regulations.... Not much interest unless the coins are pure silver... speaking for myself anyway. Cheers, RickO

It is a very interesting regulation:

AST MONETARIUM said:
This is due to our manufacturer refusing to make them in FINE SILVER due to the risk of legal actions due to its composition (precious metal imports/exports should indicate its purity and composition)

I wonder if it can be edge marked like done with many silver rounds.

Zoins

Also, I was wondering why the picked 1906 for the year.

I just checked the USPI page on CoinFacts and found it interesting that all the smaller denominations don't exist for 1906, some for multiple years.

https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts/category/u-s-philippines-1903-1945/943