When were the last coins struck at the US branch mint in Manila?

291fifth

Anyone know the precise date?

Also, does anyone know exactly when the mint was bombed by the Japanese?

Leiana

Philipene coins from 1903-1919 were struck in Philadelphia and San Francisco.

Those dated after 1920 were made in Manila.

1944 and 1945 issues were made in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.

The latest date for M coins is 1941.

In 1942, much of the mint's bullion was removed to the United States so it would not be captured.

Hope this helps.

-Amanda

Conder101

Precise date, no. But it would be in 1941. All other coins after1941 and before July 4th 1946, when the Phillipines were granted their independence (and the Manilla mint ceased to be a branch mint), were struck on the US mainland.

CaptHenway

Strange that Google shows nothing on this. I did find a tiny, tiny mention of the liberation of the Mint on February 23, 1945, here:

http://www.lakbay.net/ww2/feb4.asp

TD

WoodenJefferson

The Philippines were a soverein nation of the US after we paid Spain 20 million dollars at the end of the Spanish-American War. The US issued their coinage from 1903 to 1945. Proof coins were struck in Philly from 1903 to 1908 while regular (business strikes) were minted in Frisco. The US opened a branch mint in 1920 and Philippine coinage was struck there. During WWII minting was shiffted back to the US mainland. Piece together all the other threads and you should get an answer close to your question.

BTW: I own some 5 cent pieces struck in Frisco (wierd to see a foriegn coin with an "S" mint mark)

WoodenJefferson

Japan launched a surprise attack on the Philippines on December 8, 1941, just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Initial aerial bombardment was followed by landings of ground troops both north and south of Manila. The defending Philippine and United States troops were under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, who had been recalled to active duty in the United States Army earlier in the year and was designated commander of the United States Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft of his command were destroyed; the naval forces were ordered to leave; and because of the circumstances in the Pacific region, reinforcement and resupply of his ground forces were impossible. Under the pressure of superior numbers, the defending forces withdrew to the Bataan Peninsula and to the island of Corregidor at the entrance to Manila Bay. Manila, declared an open city to prevent its destruction, was occupied by the Japanese on January 2, 1942.

The Japanese used the mint during their occupation until 1943 so as to it being bombed, not quite sure. Interesting question, not much out there on the subject.

291fifth

Given all the detailed information on activities at other US branch mints the lack of information seems strange, especially since it operated during the 20th century. I wonder what happened to the mint's records?

I also wonder if it was ever actually bombed by the Japanese. Is this just a story that some numismatic writer made up years ago to spice up an article?