Goldberg Coins and Collectibles

Sale 54

Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction

The 9/09 Hawaii Collection - Hawaiian Dollars

Lot	Photo	Description	Realized
Lot 1455		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded Proof 62 Cameo. Mostly white with a hint of gold toning near the edges a beautiful cameo two-toned Proof. Only 26 struck. Virtually ice-white devices spread light in every direction, the dies having been carefully made to impart a frosted effect. Proofs of both American coins and Hawaiian coins in the 1880s were struck on the mint's hydraulic press, which gave a unique "squeeze" on the dies. This imparted all of the deepest design from the dies onto the struck planchet. As carefully made as this coin is, it is also covered the mint bloom from the mirror fields to the aforementioned frosted devices, bidders will want to make a special note of the coin's detail. Clockwork precision seen in all areas. A few light hairlines here and there mainly account for the grade; also, a small scuff on the obverse behind Kalakaua's neck. If you have never owned a Hawaiian Proof, purchase of this silver dollar will be a luxurious indulgence! Pop 2; 1 in PF63 Cameo at NGC. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. Possibly Ex Edwards H. Metcalf Collection Feb 1976 Lot 1212 Superior Auction; Ron Russell; The 9/09 Hawaii Collectionpresent owner. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $16,675
Lot 1456		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded Proof 62 Cameo. Light golden toning. Only 26 struck in Proof. This is an extremely rare example of the Akahi Dala, or One Dollar (same weight and fineness as the U.S. Morgan silver dollars of this period). Only slightly more than two dozen were struck as Proof issues for the Hawaiian Government from dies prepared at the Philadelphia Mint. Curiously, the copper pattern issues for Hawaiian coinage were prepared and coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. These dies were engraved by Charles E. Barber. Months after the transaction was completed, it turns out that Claus Spreckels, the sugar baron, who used his influence to have the coins made for the Hawaiian Government, had clandestinely pocketed a $100,000 to $150,000 "seignorage" profit on the transaction, much to the annoyment to the government authorities. When they found out, there was little they could do about it besides fume. We note some almost invisible hairlines in the fields, accounting for the still very choice grade. The devices, as on the other example in the sale, are all supremely sharply struck and well frosted, giving everything its cameo appearance. Toned a bit at the rim with russet brown, and with nothing untoward to describe in the way of detractions. Struck in .900 Fine silver with a reeded edge, which is visible in the NGC holder. Long known as a classic rarity, and certain to be the highlight of any specialized Hawaiian collection. Some time after the coins were produced, the original dies (obverses only) were defaced with chisel marks and now reside in the Hawaii State Archives in Honolulu (small building next to the popular tourist attraction of Iolani Palace. Few have ever seen them but they can be viewed upon request, they are not on display. Scant auction records are recorded for these, they simply do not sell frequently with so few made. Pop 2; 2 in 63 Cameo. Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $21,850
Lot 1457		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded MS-64. Well struck and nicely toned on both sides. One would be hard pressed to locate a more prestigious MS64 Hawaiian Silver Dollar, even if one were known to either NGC or PCGS. The richly toned, rotating surfaces, like summer storm clouds, provide base for the surge of unimpeded mint luster striking out from below. It is never common to find a Hawaiian coin struck with this degree of exactitude by the dies. But here is such a coin. We expect a fair amount of bidding activity. Pop 20; 8 in MS65; 5 in MS66. (PCGS # 10995) . Discussions of Heraldry in coin design have passed, like the word itself, into desuetude. The modern reader's vision tends to fog over. But thanks to a copy of the October 1883 issue of "The American Journal of Numismatics" we can provide a detailed description of the reverse design on this famous Hawaiian silver dollar issue. Readers may wish to have a dictionary nearby: The arms are quarterly, 1 and 4, barry of eight, arranged argent, gules, and azure, the bar in base being gules (the eight bars allude to the eight inhabited islands, and are arranged as the stripes in the national flag, in order of color); 2 and 3, argent," a " puloulou," or tabu stick, proper. This stick was a long rod, with a ball of "tapa" cloth at its top the white native cloth, prepared from bark. In former days, this staff with the cloth attached, and carried by one of the king's retainers, or by the followers of a high chief, had a peculiar significance. When the "puloulou " was left at the door of a native house it indicated that royalty was within, and it was death to enter, or pass it. When displayed at the four corners of a field, it signified that the land enclosed was appropriated by the chief who had placed them, and the same penalty followed any trespass. On the arms it alludes to the sanctity or inviolability of the government of the kingdom. The shield has for supporters two natives, in their old costume, the dexter holding a spear and the sinister the " kahili," or feather-topped staff, which was the badge of chief rank. An escutcheon of pretence bears gules, a fan (?) surmounted by two spears in saltire. This escutcheon is a portion of the royal arms, and does not, we are informed, pertain especially to the present ruler. Around the arms is the beautiful and poetic national motto UA MAU KE EA OKA AINA I KAPONO, signifying, "The life of the land is established in righteousness." On the left of the coat of arms is the numeral 1, and on the right D, and underneath AKAHI DALA, both meaning, "one dollar." At the bottom of the shield is the cross of an Order instituted by Kalakaua. The obverse of the smaller coins is the same with that just described. Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,300
Lot 1458		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded MS-64. Nice original toning on both sides. Well struck. Iridescent satin to frosted luster resonates off of the surface below the toning, making this a virtual Gem quality specimen. The toning is even. The colors subdued and natural appearing. In the fields reside mint frost with a desirable absence of marks. On the heels of such active luster, we are pleased to describe a coin faithful to every detail from a full blow by the dies. Again, this is in keeping with the consistent quality of this consignor's collection. Hawaii became America's 50th state in 1959. This group of Pacific islands, 2,300+ miles from San Francisco, California, became known to the Western world when discovered by Captain James Cook of Great Britain in 1778. The individual island states were then united in 1810 by the powerful king, Kamehameha I. As American missionaries and planters began arriving in Hawaii during the 1820s, a gradual decline in the natives' power and independence developed, sped along by deadly diseases brought by the newcomers. In 1893, the Yankees exerted enough influence to expel the old monarchy and establish a short-lived Republic. The islands were annexed by the United States in 1898 and declared a U. S. territory two years later. In 1959, Hawaii finally achieved statehood, the only U. S. state not a part of the North American continent. Pop 17; 10 in 65; 6 in 66; 2 in 67; 1 in 68. (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $9,200
Lot 1459		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. A nice untoned frosty coin. The surfaces are bright with moon-glow white luster and show none of the muting often found on Hawaiian dollars. This notice should not be neglected when bidding, for we expect to see a strong price realized from keen-eyed buyers hopeful of snapping up such a choice specimen. So much, then, for luster. Turning to the other key factor, a coin that is desirable with this meticulous strike on Kalakaua's hair and beard as well as on the intricate design of the shield on the reverse. It is only the Hawaiian silver dollar that carries the full Hawaiian Coat of Arms on an ermine mantle. The lower denominations retain the shield but do away with the mantle, presumably due to the smaller size involved. On all issues of the 1883 coinage, dime through dollar, appears the Hawaiian national motto (now the motto of the State of Hawaii), which reads UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO, signifying, "The life of the land is established in righteousness." words of peculiar historic interest, which fell from the lips of Kamehameha III, in a time of trial, but which we must not stop to enlarge upon now. The denomination reads AKAHI DALA (one dollar) with a large 1 D flanking the coat of arms. Pop 13; 20 in 64; 8 in 65; 5 in 66. (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $7,000 - 9,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $13,225
Lot 1460		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded MS-62. A hint of light gold toning. Semi prooflike surfaces. Well struck. The present specimen displays smooth, ice-white devices that would settle for nothing less than a full Choice grade while surrounding is light prooflike iridescence from the field. Quite scarce above AU level since many were melted (only 46,348 net mintage after 453,652 were melted). Fortunately for the strike, it, like the luster, is outstanding. A well-struck Dollar with good details. There are no bothersome abrasions or points of wear. Pop 21; 46 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 10995) . Following is the description from the October 1883 issue of "The American Journal of Numismatics" describing this issue of silver coins for the Kingdom of Hawaii before it was known that a dime-sized coin was to be substituted for the eighth-dollar denomination: KALAKAUA I, the King of the Hawaiian Islands, has recently had dies prepared for striking silver coins for his realm, brief allusion to which was made in the last number of the Journal. These dies were executed at Philadelphia, under the direction of the Mint authorities, and the money is to be struck by permission of our Government in the Mint at San Francisco. There are to be four denominations Dollars, Halves, Quarters and Eighths bearing substantially the same devices. The Dollar shows on the obverse the naked bust of the King to observer's right, surrounded by the legend, KALAKAUA I KING OF HAWAII, and the date, 1883, at the bottom. It is said by those who have seen the coins, that " the profile head of the King compares favorably with that of many rulers of much more important countries," and that " the coinage itself, in beauty of design and character of workmanship, is quite equal to that of many of the older nations of Europe." Whether this be a correct judgment we can better deter- mine hereafter. On the reverse will be seen blazoned the royal arms. The shield is displayed on a mantle, which, in an engraving of the piece we have seen, seems to be ermine. The national "mantle," however, in the arms, is properly the famous feather cloak, such as was worn by Kamehameha the Great, and his chiefs, in the ancient and prosperous days of the islands, and which forms the "royal robe" of the present king on State occasions; above the shield is the royal crown. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,600
Lot 1461		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck and untoned. Rich silvery white color. A well struck MS62 that has gleaming fields surprisingly free of bagmarks and other indications of handling outside the mint. In one way, the luster sets the beauty. In another, the precision strike on every device, including the King's profile, completes the picture. Don't rush off to the next lots without placing a bid on this handsome silver dollar from the Kingdom of Hawaii. Pop 9; 47 finer at NGC. (PCGS # 10995) . Design and Minting of the Coins: Long before Claus Spreckels received his official authorization as agent of the Hawaiian kingdom for the silver coinage he entered into correspondence with H. C. Burchard, Director of the U. S. Bureau of the Mint. According to Jacob Adler (1960), "Burchard wrote Spreckels on January 26, 1883, explaining the law under which the United States could execute coinage for foreign governments. The Director said the San Francisco Mint could do the actual coining, but the dies would have to be prepared at the Philadelphia Mint. He requested Spreckels to furnish rough designs as soon as possible. "Spreckels sent the designs two months later. He also said he would like to inspect the dies after they had been finished. In the design suggested by Spreckels a full face view of King Kalakaua was shown. After submitting the designs to Charles E. Barber, Engraver at the Philadelphia mint, Burchard wrote Spreckels that a full face view was not suitable. The Engraver recommended a profile, and a profile photo was soon sent to him." Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $7,188
Lot 1462		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded MS-62. Well struck with lovely light gold toning. A handsome looking coin. Frosty and sharply struck, the smooth surfaces would settle for nothing less than the MS 62 grade with perhaps a nod given to a slightly higher designation. We have mentioned the luster which abounds over the surface on both sides. There is one almost-invisible reed mark in the field below the first A in KALAKAUA. Also noted (and thus limiting the grade), a few faint hairlines in the reverse field. In winding up what we believe is a very fair description, we point to it being a strongly struck coin -- as with most others in the illustrious group we take pride in offering. The coin displays nice detail to all the important high points. Pop 9; 47 finer at NGC. (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $4,830
Lot 1463		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded MS-61. A fresh white example. Nice frosty mint luster characterizes the surfaces on this lovely piece. Additionally, about this denomination it is easier said than done to find without a heavy burden of bagmarks, the present example being a pleasant exception. And last but not least, the centers pack full detail into the design from a decidedly precision strike (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,960
Lot 1464		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded MS-61. Well preserved and untoned. A lustrous specimen that has nice surfaces and a very decent strike. The dies imparted a sound but not too bold design in the following areas: the King's sideburn, portions of the beard over the cheek, which show some minor rounding, along with the lower edge of the moustache. In all other ways, the detail is crisp (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $3,450
Lot 1465		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded AU-55. Old green holder. Mostly untoned with a hint of light gold tone here and there. The surfaces are semi reflective and as such provide a splendid offset for the raised, lightly frosted profile of the King. Kalakaua I (named David Kalakaua) reigned from 1874 to 1891. An early Edison cylinder roll recording of his voice taken shortly before he died is housed in the Hawaii State Archives in Honolulu though has yet to be given a public playing so far as this cataloger knows. Pop 39. (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,300. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1466		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded AU-58. Nice golden toning. The devotee of Hawaiian coinage will see at once just how superior this coin is to the run-of-the-mill AU specimen one sees holdered nowadays. It should meet with strong competition. The broad diameter of the silver dollar enabled engraver Charles Barber to place the complete royal Arms and supporters on an elaborate mantle on this reverse, flanked by the abbreviated denomination 1 - D. The full Hawaiian denomination AKAHI DALA follows the lower rim. This popularity of this denomination was affected by the early growth of world Crown collecting in the 1960s which focused the attentions of collectors on dollar-sized pieces (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,100 - 1,200. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,840
Lot 1467		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded AU-55. Old green holder. A nice untoned example, bright, lustrous, gleaming, and because the surface is choicer than average, one which we expect bidders will go for (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,380
Lot 1468		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded AU-55. Light gold and blue toning. A very pleasing specimen that should lead to many hours of study and enjoyment by the successful new owner (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1469		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded AU-55. Lightly toned. The crisp detail is emboldened by smooth, natural "antique gray" surfaces that deepend to russet brown and charcoal gray at the perimeter (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1470		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded AU-55. Well struck. Untoned with reflective surfaces and offsetting silver-frosted highlights. A handsome example (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,150
Lot 1471		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded AU-55. Untoned and another very attractive specimen that has obviously been carefully preserved since it was first extracted out of circulation (or the melt-pile) by some eagle-eyed early coin collector. If you are intent on securing an example, this is the one to buy (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1472		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded AU-53. Well struck and untoned. As though hand-selected by our consignor, the coin has oceans of mint frost from center to periphery and on both sides, with the bare minimum of light handling marks while surpassing 95% of all others in this grade in terms of eye-appeal. Should be considered by all serious buyers (PCGS # 10995) . According to author Jacob Adler, "Little had been done before the reign of Kalakaua (1874-1891) about a national coinage. In 1847 the kingdom issued a thousand dollars worth of copper cents bearing the head of Kamehameha III." By the time he took the throne, King Kalakaua dreamt of a coinage imprinted with his image and superscription, which he thought would add to his stature as an independent monarch. He was a highly educated man, far more so than many casual observers would think, fluent in numerous languages, a published author and song writer. In this idea of a national coinage he was abetted by his chief minister, the wily Walter Murray Gibson. Premier Gibson was instrumental in having Claus Spreckels (an equally wily individual, if the histories are any guide) appointed agent of the kingdom to mint the coins in the United States. Estimated Value $900 - 1,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $1,093
Lot 1473		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded AU-50. Old green holder. Mostly untoned. A lustrous, well struck example (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $920
Lot 1474		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded AU-50. Mostly untoned with light grey color. Lightly worn but still exhibiting luster around the main devices. Popular grade for a Hawaiian type set as it displays all the chief elements of the design (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $800 - 900. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $863
Lot 1475		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. Sharpness of About Uncirculated. Cleaned years ago. Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $633
Lot 1476		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded Details of AU-50 cleaned. Evenly toned. Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $368
Lot 1477		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded EF-40. Toned. Natural even wear on the surfaces (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $460
Lot 1478		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded EF-40. Mostly untoned with wear most notable on the beard at the cheek. Rare did Hawaiian dollars circulate to more than EF or VF condition since their time of use was abbreviated; all Hawaiian coinage was withdrawn by the United States government in 1904 and replaced with standard U.S. silver (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $403
Lot 1479		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. Harshly cleaned. Well struck with reflective surfaces (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $575
Lot 1480		1883 Hawaiian Dollar. ANACS graded Sharpness of AU-58. Reverse lamination; cleaned. Possible grease from the coining die or equipment (or carbon occlusion in the alloy) caused this streak in the finished coin. Sharp and lustrous otherwise and a pleasing example of this important one-year Type (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $450 - 500. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $345
Lot 1481		1883 Hawaiian Dollar NCS VF Details. Improperly cleaned. Lightly toned (PCGS # 10995) . Estimated Value $350 - 400. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos Check results on similar lots	Realized $403
Lot 1482		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (3). Sharpness of Extremely Fine. Cleaned and retoned. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details	Realized $1,093
Lot 1483		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (2). SEGS graded AU-53 cleaned and AU-50 cleaned. Our grade is sharpness of Extremely Fine. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $700 - 750. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details	Realized $805
Lot 1484		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (2). Sharpness of Very Fine. Signs of old cleaning. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $500 - 550. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details	Realized $661
Lot 1485		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (6). A half dozen dollars, each ANACS graded as follows: EF-40 (3), EF-45 (3). Lot of 6 coins. Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $2,185
Lot 1486		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (2). ANACS graded Each AU-50. Lustrous and attractive. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,800 - 2,000. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,438
Lot 1487		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (4). Each NCS graded XF Details improperly cleaned. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $1,600 - 1,700. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,840
Lot 1488		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (3). Each ANACS graded as follows: AU-50 Details cleaned; AU-53 Details cleaned; AU-55 Details cleaned. Lot of 3 coins. Estimated Value $1,500 - 1,650. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details	Realized $1,495
Lot 1489		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (4). All ANACS graded as follows: VF-20, VF-30 (2), and VF-35. Each displays normal antique toning. Lot of 4 coins. Estimated Value $1,400 - 1,500. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,380
Lot 1490		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (2). Each NCS graded AU Details improperly cleaned. Each dollar is nicely toned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,035
Lot 1491		1883 Hawaiian Dollars (2). Each NCS graded AU Details improperly cleaned. Each is lightly toned. Lot of 2 coins. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,100. From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection. View details and enlarged photos	Realized $1,553