SC Marks 125 Years with Historic Launch of Country’s First Vertical Banknote, Special Stamps
The Supreme Court of the Philippines made numismatic and postal history on June 10, 2026, launching the country’s first-ever vertically designed banknote alongside special commemorative coins and stamps to mark its 125th anniversary milestone.
The formal unveiling ceremony, held at the historic SC Session Hall in Manila, celebrated the High Court's century-and-a-quarter legacy of upholding justice, democracy, and the rule of law.
History-Making Currency
Developed in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the special-edition currency collection introduces two distinct legal-tender pieces:
₱3,000 Vertical Banknote: Breaking away from traditional horizontal layouts, this represents the first vertical bill issued in Philippine history. The face of the note honors Cayetano Arellano—the country’s first Chief Justice—alongside a prominent rendering of the Supreme Court Session Hall.
₱125 Nordic Gold Coin: Minted specifically to symbolize the 125-year milestone, the coin features the figure of Lady Justice, the official seals of both the SC and the BSP, and 15 stars representing the sitting Justices of the Court.
Postal Tribute
Simultaneously, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launched a commemorative four-stamp anniversary set. The custom stamps spotlight iconic symbols of judicial integrity and institutional evolution, ensuring that the celebration of the judiciary's landmark journey reaches a nationwide audience.
Institutional Transformation
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo led the launch ceremony. He was joined on the bench by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, fellow Associate Justices, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr., and PHLPost Postmaster General Maximo C. Sta. Maria III.
According to judicial officials, these items serve as tangible reminders of the Court’s enduring commitment to innovation, structural transformation, and delivering accessible justice closer to the Filipino people.
While both the ₱3,000 banknote and ₱125 coin are legally valid for circulation, they are primarily produced as limited-edition collectibles. The general public can purchase the commemorative currency and stamp sets through the BSP, the PHLPost Central Office in Manila, and the newly opened Supreme Court Gift Shop.
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