NEW BOOK: YAMAN: PHILIPPINE MONEY

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V24 2021 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 24, Number 21, May 23, 2021, Article 5

We recently discussed books on the Manilla Mint. Here's a new title on the larger story of Philippine numismatics. -Editor

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has unveiled its latest publication on cultural heritage titled, Yaman: History and Heritage in Philippine Money.

The coffee table book highlights the numismatic collection of the BSP and feature stories from piloncitos—considered the earliest form of coinage in the Philippines—all the way to the present-day New Generation Currency.

Isinasapuso ng Yaman ang kasabihang ‘ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.' As we move more and more toward a cash-lite society, the banknotes and coins that we feature in Yaman will remain curators of our history and custodians of our national identity, said BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno.

Distinguished historian Ambeth Ocampo authored the book in collaboration with renowned photographer Wig Tysmans who captured the curated pieces that highlight the country's rich numismatic heritage.

Consistent with BSP's advocacy to promote cultural awareness and bring it closer to the people, complimentary copies will be given to libraries all over the country. The 400-page hardbound book is sold at P6,500.

For more information, or to order, see:
BSP Releases Yaman Numismatic Book (https://www.bsp.gov.ph/SitePages/MediaAndResearch/MediaDisp.aspx?ItemId=5788)

Here's some more information on the book's production from the design firm's site. -Editor

Approach
YAMAN (History and Heritage in Philippine Money) is a regaling tale of Philippine history as told by the evolution of Philippine money. A numismatic scholar-writer divided the book content into several eras and developed the story thus: barter, gold, silver, paper and paper-less currency. Box stories included the Boxer Codex, the first known 18th century colored illustrations of gold adornments worn by Filipino royalty before the arrival of the Spaniards, and a visit to the BSP Security Plant where coinage is minted and bank notes monetized, minted and printed.

It was, however, the dynamic duo of design and photography that led the story telling. The former allowed the latter's dramatic photography of coins on rough surfaces (stone, slate, leather, sand, among others) to highlight the beauty of the engraving on the obverse and reverse sides. Two-page spreads with unusual photographic treatment were strategically positioned within the 400-page tome as a breather to break the scholarly dissertation. Close-ups gave serious numismatics the opportunity and delight to identify individual characteristics, security marks and intricate designs on coins and bank notes.

Cover of the book features a pair of rough hands belonging to a blue-collar worker gently cupping different rare coins from different periods. The message conveyed is that no matter what one's economic station in life is, due respect must be given to these legal tender at all times, as they are bearers of vignettes of the Philippines' quest for freedom, and represent our nation's identity.

Overall design treatment was for the book to be a visual feast that combines the glint of gold, silver and copper with the quiet elegance of paper on which are printed portraits of heroes and important Filipinos, historic scenes, beautiful scenery, tribal weaves, endemic flora and fauna, and even symbols from an ancient Filipino alphabet that spells the word "Filipino."

Results
BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno was highly impressed that a major publication such as YAMAN (History and Heritage in Philippine Money) was completed in record time (8 months) and during a challenging time in the country. From start to completion, the book team worked from home, weathered the difficulties caused by the lock-downs, and met regularly via Zoom, a digital platform for virtual meetings in real time via computers or mobile phones. The team also gamely abided by the BSP precautionary protocol of submitting to swab tests every 10 days for photo shoots in the Money Museum and the BSP Security Plant.

When Yaman was posted on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) to announce its availability, the BSP Money Museum was beset with a deluge of orders from institutions and schools, numismatists, book collectors and lovers of history.

YAMAN (History and Heritage in Philippine Money) was launched in May 2021 in an event hosted by the BSP governor. Because of the pandemic, it was a blended affair with top officers of the BSP in attendance at the actual venue; all other guests witnessed the launch program virtually via live streaming.

A reprint is already being discussed in anticipation of the clamor for the book, and a new book on the BSP painting collection is in the offing.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ON THE MANILA MINT (https://www.coinbooks.org/v24/esylum_v24n09a13.html)