The Philippine and Pueto Rico became United States of America possession at the
end of the Spanish-American War in 1898. Coins were minted for the Philippine
starting in 1903 with "United States of America" on one side and "Filipinas" on
the other side of the coin.
From 1925, Philippine had their own mint, but was still a US possession.
After 1945 Philippine gained their indepence and the inscription "United States
of America" was removed from thei coinage.
The retail values of the coins depends on their condition. The values are
listed in Krause's Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-Present" under
Philippines (Commonwealth). Check your library.
Estimated retail values for 1944 dated coins are listed below.
Uncirculated 1 centavo: $ 0.50 (US dollar)
Uncirculated 5 centavos: $ 0.75
Common variety of a Uncirculated 20 centavos (1944-D): $ 2
Very rare variety of a Uncirculated 20 centavos (1944 D/S): $150 & up
Very rare variety of a Extra Fine 20 centavos (1944 D/S): $40 & up
Extra Fine & Uncirculated 50 centavos: $ 2.50 & $ 4.50, respectively.
The letters "D" and "S" are mint marks. The D/S means the "D" was punched over
a "S". The mint mark is located to the left of the date. "D" is the mint mark
for the Denver Mint and "S" is the mint mark for the San Francisco Mint. Extra
Fine is one of several condition for a circulated coin.