New P5 coin out in December

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will release the New Generation Coin (NGC) P5 coin starting next month.

The coin features Philippine hero Andres Bonifacio.

"The BSP's advance release of the 5-piso NGC coin highlights the 120th death anniversary of the Filipino patriot this year and his 154th birthday on November 30," it said.

The observe is inscribed with "ANDRES BONIFACIO," "5-PISO," and "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS" in bold font and in microprints.

The reverse side shows a Tayabak—a Philippine endemic plant that climbs tall forest trees—the central bank logo, and "Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas" in microprint.

The new coin is 25-millimeters in diameter and weighs approximately 7.4 grams.

"The security features of the NGC Coin Series are enhanced to deter counterfeiting, improve wear and corrosion resistance capabilities, saves the BSP minting costs, avoids risks arising from unexpected volatile swings in metal prices, and also deters the illegal hoarding of coins for melting and shipment to other series," the BSP said.

The rest of the denominations of the NGC Coin Series will be released and circulated in January 2018. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News