Philippines USA COIN - 1913 1/2 Half Centavo Culion Leper Colony - BU / AU

Description

Hi there,
You are bidding on
U.S. Philippines Coin -
1913 1/2 Centavo
.
This is the only 1/2 Centavo coin minted for use in the Culion Leper Colony. It is part of the first issue of coins minted for the colony in 1913 by the private firm of Frank & Company in Manila. The six denominations in this first issue were 1/2C, 1C, 5C, 10C, 20C, and Peso, all minted in Aluminum with the same simple design.
This coin was minted for the leper colony on Culion Island, Philippines, in 1922. There was a widespread belief that leprosy could be spread by exchanging money, so several governments issued special coins for their leper colonies. Besides the Philippines, leper colony coins are known from Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil. Advances in medical knowledge have dispelled this myth and most of the colonies have closed and the coinage redeemed. The Philippine Health Service issued base-metal pesos for Culion Island in 1913, 1920, 1922 and 1925, each a different type.
Item is in brilliant/almost uncirculated condition.
Let me know if you require more photos. Cheers.