José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda /June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896/ was a Filipino nationalist, writer and polymath active at the end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He is considered the national hero (pambansang bayani) of the Philippines. An ophthalmologist by profession, Rizal became a writer and a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain. He was executed by the Spanish colonial government for the crime of rebellion after the Philippine Revolution broke out; it was inspired by his writings. Though he was not actively involved in its planning or conduct, he ultimately approved of its goals which eventually resulted in Philippine independence.
During the Japanese Occupation, the only medals issued honoring Rizal was a set of three struck in silver, bronze and gilt. Rare issue, it was minted in 1943 on the occasion of the Exhibit of Rizal’s Writings in the Tagalog Language. The obverse portrayed the usual bust of Rizal and the years “1861- 1896" while inscribed on the top were words written in "Baybayin", an ancient Philippine form of writing.
During the Japanese Occupation, the only medals issued honoring Rizal was a set of three struck in silver, bronze and gilt. Rare issue, it was minted in 1943 on the occasion of the Exhibit of Rizal’s Writings in the Tagalog Language. The obverse portrayed the usual bust of Rizal and the years “1861- 1896" while inscribed on the top were words written in "Baybayin", an ancient Philippine form of writing.
Silver Medal.
Size 30 mm.
Weight 11.82 g.