Lot 1434
1883 Hawaiian Half Dollar. NGC graded MS-62. A hint of light even tone. Rolling in soft mint brilliance over each side of this sharply made specimen. It appears to us as it should to anyone who examines the piece close-up, that all minute detail is fully evident on the bold of the king as well as throughout the ornate shield and coat of arms reverse.
The circulating coinage of Kalakaua was struck at the San Francisco Mint between November of 1883 and June of 1884, though all coins bore the 1883 date. The denominations struck corresponded to those provided for in the law of 1846, with one exception: The hapawalu, or eighth dollar, was excluded from regular production in favor of the umi (ten) keneta, or dime. This move facilitated the use of standard USA silver planchets.
These silver coins well received (with the usual grumbling by some naysayers), and they remained in circulation after the American annexation of Hawaii in 1898. They were gradually withdrawn thereafter and American coins of the regular types were substituted. Retired pieces were melted. Today, all denominations are fairly common in circulated grades, despite the high melt rates, although genuinely scarce in Mint State. The one exception is the hapaha, or quarter dollar. Many Uncirculated rolls turned up after World War II, and these coins are highly sought by collectors for their flashy luster. Pop 45; 56 finer at NGC. (PCGS # 10991) .
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400.
From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection.
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| Realized $1,035 |
