I have been a collector/dealer in Philippine Numismatics for the past 49 years. Yet I don't know the answers to most of the questions asked about Franklin Mint issues and don't know where there is a source other than maybe the Central Bank of the Philippines if they maintained any historical records on why the decisions were made.

Many of the Franklin issues do sell for less than original price but so do many recent US Mint issues. But there are Philippine collectors out there who will pay the going market price for these issues(much more than silver value)--I sell many of them in my annual Philippine Mailbid sales which I have been doing since 1999.

Also, especially since the gold market has increased significantly, thus the Franklin Philippine gold issues bring nice premiums now. Example, the relatively common KM213 President Marcos 1000 Piso Gold which originally sold for $125 from Franklin Mint, now sells for $500+. I hope this information helps.