"Quezonia" Artifacts at Leon Gallery’s Kingly Treasures Auction 2025

The upcoming "The Kingly Treasures Auction 2025" by Leon Gallery on December 6, 2025, features a President Manuel L. Quezon Private Reserve Collection that offers a comprehensive view of the life, political battles, and personal intricacies of the "Father of the Philippine Republic." Among the items poised to draw significant attention at the auction are artifacts that not only celebrate Quezon’s public accomplishments but also provide unique insights into his complex legacy. These objects collectively reveal the political, cultural, and personal stories of Quezon’s notable life, making them valuable to collectors and historians alike. Inspired by the renewed public interest following Jerrold Tarog's movie QUEZON, this collection of five "Quezonia" artifacts serves as important primary sources for historians, political scientists, and collectors of Philippine-American colonial history. The collection spans key moments in Quezon’s career, from his diplomatic efforts for independence to his inauguration as President of the Commonwealth, and includes a controversial peek into his private life.

The Public Image: TIME Magazine (November 25, 1935)

This edition of TIME Magazine was issued during the week when Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines—a pivotal moment in our colonial history. Initially printed in only 505,000 copies, finding one in excellent condition is extremely

difficult, significantly increasing its value. The cover features a prominent portrait of Quezon by Leon Gordon, now displayed at Malacañang Palace, further connecting the magazine to Filipino heritage. As a testament to Quezon’s international recognition and the shaping of his public image, the magazine stands out as a key artifact. The cover story not only brought Quezon’s leadership and political ideals to a global audience but also cemented his status as a major figure in the emerging Commonwealth. This magazine cover captured the spirit and optimism of the era, reflecting the aspirations of the Filipino people and the broader context of independence movements worldwide. For collectors and historians, it serves as a visual record of Quezon’s rise to prominence and the enduring legacy of his presidency. Its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after item for collectors of Quezon memorabilia and anyone interested in Philippine or American colonial history.

The Controversial Rarity: The "Laughing Quezon" Gold Cross Medal

The Philippine Gold Cross medal is one of the most elusive treasures in military history—a true

mystery rooted in a flawed past. Created to honor WWII veterans, its official release was disrupted by a rejected depiction of an incorrectly portrayed "laughing" Quezon. Made by U.S. supplier A.M. Dondero, the medal's vague features caused it to disappear almost as soon as it appeared, making sightings extremely rare—possibly even rarer than the famous 1906-S U.S.-Philippine Peso coin. Its fleeting existence tells a fascinating story of post-war efforts to recognize heroism properly. With so few ever made, finding one in the wild is nearly impossible; it stands as a symbol of both historical quirks and the true rarity's value. (https://www.nineteenkopongkopong.com/post/the-hilariously-atrocious-laughing-quezon-gold-cross-medal-humor-in-imperfection)

The Diplomatic Hustle: Manuel L. Quezon's 1924 Passport

A notable political artifact documents Quezon’s travels as a Filipino leader during the Independence Missions, bearing signatures of both Quezon and his rival, Governor-General Leonard Wood. The passport reflects the era’s duality: the push for Filipinization within the U.S. colonial framework. This document directly links to the campaign that led to the Tydings–McDuffie Act and the Commonwealth. Given its profound impact and relevance to Philippine history—and the likelihood that such memorabilia will never resurface—this rare piece undoubtedly deserves a place in a museum for future generations to appreciate. (https://www.nineteenkopongkopong.com/post/the-1924-quezon-passport-an-ephemera-of-power-and-travel)

The Symbol of Sovereignty: Commonwealth Seal Inauguration Banner

This ceremonial banner is a remarkably rare historical artifact directly linked to Quezon’s November 15, 1935, inauguration. Its distinctive design, showcasing the Commonwealth Seal of the Philippines and replacing the American bald eagle with three stars reminiscent of the Philippine flag, marks a significant moment in the country’s history. As a symbol of the nation’s growing sovereignty and a testament to early Filipino heraldry and national identity under American rule, this banner is a rare find—an invaluable and hard-to-find addition to any collection of Commonwealth Government memorabilia.

The Private Confession: Personal Letter to Aurora Quezon (January 25, 1937)

Image courtesy of Leon Gallery "The Kingsly Treasures Auction 2025" Catalog

Penned on official Malacañang Palace letterhead two years into his presidency, this remarkable letter from President Quezon to First Lady Aurora Quezon is as mysterious as it is revealing. The correspondence moves between intimate family moments and cryptic admissions of personal struggles, alluding to shadowy episodes like the elusive "Ballerina" incident and veiled discussions of a mysterious "government pensionada." Quezon presents these events as inherent burdens of leadership but leaves much unsaid. Beyond merely confirming tales of his private affairs, the document offers a tantalizing glimpse into the hidden pressures and delicate balancing acts faced by a national leader whose public and private worlds were anything but simple.

The five exceptional artifacts featured in the upcoming The Kingly Treasures of Leon gallery—including the iconic TIME cover, the sought-after "Laughing Quezon" medal, a rare pre-Commonwealth passport, the historic inauguration banner, and an intimate personal letter—offer an unparalleled glimpse into Manuel L. Quezon's legacy. Each item not only captures key moments of transformation and intrigue in Philippine history but also reflects the complex legacy of Manuel L. Quezon himself. Together, these artifacts serve as tangible links to the era’s major achievements and controversies, providing scholars and enthusiasts with unique insights into the cultural and political landscape of the time. Their ongoing preservation and study are vital to deepening our understanding of the nation’s quest for independence, identity, and governance. These remarkable pieces depict him not only as a global statesman and symbol of national aspiration but also as a deeply human figure, with relatable weaknesses. Collectors are encouraged to seize this rare opportunity to acquire valuable historical artifacts that are essential to understanding nation-building and the story of the Philippine Republic.