Gen. Douglas MacArthur fifty-centavo coin in the modern era?

Coin or crypto? How so. Just like cryptocurrencies, silver and gold coins value pricing demands movement high or low in the global market today. Both are given for good investment in future reference, good payment for tuition fees, meeting high-profile personalities, surprising discoveries on rare coins for its interesting designs, trading or swapping and a hobby to relieve.

A multitasker mother of two children from Quezon City, Carmen Funtanar, an ordinary private employer and an assist during auction, now an inspired coin collector-auctioneer accompanied with other personalities like former Mayor and Speaker Sony Belmonte for long years who has an interest in preserving the quality and value of coins and commemorative coins. It is like when you know how to play with money, money will do as well.

“As a collector, it can be done in several ways. One may acquire through inheritance, purchase, donation or simply from the ones in circulation,” Funtanar said in an interview through messenger chat. “I have a few coins and paper money. I have only a few because I work before in PNAS, BNSP group of collectors here in Manila…”

Two decades, around more than 20 years, Ms. Funtanar already launched an online auction not only as a bidder but an auctioneer by long overdue pandemic organized an online auction until today and made her two year anniversary on May 17.

That cannot escape her love of collecting expensive coins through an auction, an oldest coin collected, a 1947- San Francisco Mint Silver Philippines 50 Centavo accredited by Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS) MS66 (grade) General Douglas MacArthur KM-184, slabbed worth at least PHP 3,000.00.

No doubt for a coin collector and auctioneer like her. Been through ups and downs of economic progression and regression affecting the global market per ounce of silver for about $21.06 or PHP 1,123.89 in peso at least 0.08 down and gold values $1,809.56 or PHP 96, 568. 98 at least 12.43 down.

Preferably, the prices calculated by their principals and representatives does not guarantee a profit nor guarantee against a loss for an item bought or sold according to PCGS.

"One of the highest values for slabbed coins is from 1903 to 1912 dahil maraming tinutunaw. And the rarer coin has the higher value to slab,” Funtanar explained in detail. With her undeniable experience in bidding, the initial price at PHP 5,000 to PHP 163,000.

“Grabe, laki ng inabot. Minsan may jackpot sa collection kaya investment rin ‘yong collection. Either ‘palagay’ or consigned sa akin yo’n, Also there’s Spanish coins but made in Philippines naman,” she added while explaining her experience at last year’s auction for her Mla. carnival medal.

Back in World War II, the Philippines became an independent nation under the Treaty of Manila that when in 1947 the San Francisco Mint struck Fifty Centavos and Pesos bearing the likeness of Gen. MacArthur which became popular with American collectors but they are listed under Philippine proper.

“Alfonso and isabel. Yes, during spanish times diba tumira sila so nag mint ng alfonso gold and silver so with Isabel. Sa kanila ay mint at wala pa tayo no’ng ‘minting’ kaya nga ang pera natin ay more on USPI at sa US Minting. But they are already sold. Nasold na dati may gold ako mura lang dahil need ko pang tuition ng anak ko. Gladly, she’s a UST graduate din. God is so good talaga.”

Mother knows best. Like no other, Fundanar wants the best opportunity, experience and life they want to give. Back when she was still an ordinary employee and assisting in an auction, she was struck by the feeling and inspiration that coins are giving her and made her way to become one. She also stated that the best to collect coins are those inexpensive and easier to assemble.

Coin collecting does not need a high capital. It may flow as your one type of asset then be an expense and lastly, investment.

“Being a full time collector, no need for more capital if you want to become one. Karamihan naman nagiging buying and selling ‘pag maraming hawak ang magiging dealer eh,” she said.

Without the expensive coin from Douglas MacArthur, you can be a multi-millionaire jackpot in an auction, what more if you have it, maybe in your wallet, in an ancient chest or can be in your bare hands?