Lot 1494
1881 Hawaiian Five Cents. NGC graded MS-64 Pattern KM#2. Very rare. Lightly toned. Struck in nickel. This is one of the rare original strikings, only 200 of which were minted in Paris by the owner of a New Caledonia nickel mine for presentation (and hoped-for coinage contract) to King Kalakaua in 1881. The originals are distinguished by the cross at the top of the crown. This piece is sharply made throughout with pleasant light gray patina over each side with a light ambiance of semi-prooflike reflection in a few areas. A pleasing, defect-free specimen of this Hawaiian rarity. (On the 1881 five-cent piece, the Hawaiian motto contains a misspelling on the first word. What should be UA is spelled AU.) Pop 2; 1 in MS65. (PCGS # 10975) .
Note: According to Medcalf-Russell, "many of the coins became pocket pieces or were fashioned into jewelry" -- thereby accounting for their rarity in Mint condition.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000.
From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection.
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| Realized $27,600 |
