Pinoy Kollektor: 109. The charm of PHILIPPINE PLAY MONEY Collecting

Philippine Movie Stars are featured in play money.
Circa 1930's

During my childhood I would buy candies or snacks which contained play money inside. They are quite colorful and the designs are eye-catching. Denominations would run from 1 peso and as high as 100 billion pesos. As kids, we do not have much money so I would imagine that they were real and would buy anything I want with the few billions in hand.

The first play money was miniature coins made by Laures from Germany in the 1850s. They were made for dolls with a purse containing these miniature coins. They were well made to be children's toys. In the 1880s, Milton Bradley Company of Massachusetts popularized the toy money for children featuring copies of USA coins and banknotes made of cardboard.

Play money, also known as toy currency, is a form of imitation currency that is used for various purposes such as classroom instruction, board games, or simply as collectible items. These fake bills or coins are not intended for use in legitimate exchanges but serve as a tool for teaching, playing, or as a nostalgic keepsake.

In particular, vintage Philippine play money has a unique appeal, resembling old US dollar bills and adding to its charm for collectors. Collecting play money has become a popular hobby, with enthusiasts adding it to their coin and banknote collections. Play money can be classified into several categories, including toys, games, educational materials, souvenirs, advertising, and candy exonumia.

It is common for candy manufacturers to include small play money in their products, sold in small neighborhood stores called sari-sari stores, but can now be found in bookstores and toy shops as a novel item. Whether you're looking to buy play money for educational purposes, as a fun addition to your collection, or just as a nostalgic reminder of childhood memories, it's widely available and enjoyed by many.