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Sale 69
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Lot 1877
1891 (93) MH-1 Reginald Huth $1. . Medcalf-Russell 2MH-1. PCGS graded Proof 60 CAC Approved. In a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. Only 50 struck. A fully white coin. This 37.1mm, plain edge unofficial pattern displays a wealth of elegance from its untoned status. Scrupulous examination finds some hairlining and a few contact marks. This historic piece is one of only 50 Proofs struck and is today a sought-after rarity for seekers of the ultimate in Hawaiiana.
The obverse depicts a coronet bust facing left with Latin title that continues onto the reverse, LILIVOCALANIA DEI GRATIA, HAWAIARVM REGINA. The reverse bears a globe with the Hawaiian Islands above the denomination AKAHI DALA. This obverse was also used on gold 20 Dala patterns bearing crossed torch and scepter.
This Hawaiian $1 denomination is one of a number of beautifully designed pièces de fantaisie created by wealthy English collector Reginald Huth and struck for him by the London medallic firm of John Pinches Ltd. A gentleman of leisure, Huth was fascinated by deposed queens and princesses including Liliuokalani and her niece Princess Kaiulani, in whose name he created silver Dala and gold 20 Dala patterns. Other historical figures honored by him were Madagascar's Queen Ranavalo; Spain's deposed Isabel II and the Queen Regent Maria Cristina; Infanta of Spain Luisa Fernanda, Duchess of Mompensier; and the youthful King Alfonso XIII. Irish patterns of Queen Victoria honored her 1900 visit and Huth created several patterns for King George V. The death of his own mother was marked by a coin-like medal of 1901.
Liliuokalani was born Sept. 2, 1838, near the base of the extinct volcanic crater "Punchbowl" that remains a Honolulu landmark today. Her name in Hawaiian translates "Salt Air of Heaven." Her brothers were King Kalakaua and his designated heir Prince Leleiohoku, who died in 1877. She became reigning Queen on Kalakaua's death on Jan. 20, 1891. She married General John Owen Dominis, whose death on Aug. 27, 1891 deprived her of much needed counsel and support.
The royal government was overthrown by American filibusters led by Sanford B. Dole on Jan. 17, 1893 in a bloodless coup. U.S. President Grover Cleveland held the overthrow to be an act of piracy and refused to annex Dole's newly proclaimed Republic of Hawaii. The islands were finally annexed on Aug. 12, 1898 under the more imperial-minded President William McKinley. Queen Liliuokalani was never restored and died on Nov. 11, 1917.
Huth's patterns for Queen Liliuokalani and her heir Princess Kaiulani (died 1899) are among his most beautiful works and have been diligently sought by collectors for more than a century. The present Dala is certain to become a treasured centerpiece of some great Hawaiian collection. (PCGS #726247).
Estimated Value $12,000 - 15,000.
Ex: Medcalf; The Forsythe Collection.
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| Realized $16,800 |
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