Lot 1599
1860 Hawaiian Waterhouse Token. PCGS graded EF-40. Listed in the Red Book, see page 406. Rare. John Thomas Waterhouse, proprietor of two stores in Honolulu had tokens struck bearing his name and a bust of King Kamehameha III (r.1824-1854). The date of issue and its exact use are not clear. The tokens were called "hale meli" meaning in Hawaiian "bee hive." The Hawaiian inscription "Hale Maikai" means "house excellent", or a good place to do business. The Waterhouse firm established in 1851 issued the earliest known Hawaiian token, c.1855-60. The King’s nose, the highest point of the white metal token (also called pewter) was easily blunted. Pop 4; 12 finer (PCGS # 600500) .
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
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| Realized $4,600 |
