Lot 2348
1881 Hawaiian Dollar. PCGS graded MS-63. One of the famous issues during the brief reign of King Kalakaua while the sugar interest (Claus Sprekels) in America was trying to worm his way to more and more power. The need for coinage and currency in the Islands was acute, and once David Kalakaua solidified his power in 1874, he attempted to bring the Territory of Hawaii into the 19th Century. Coinage was ordered, and Mint Engraver Charles Barber executed the dies. For the silver dollar, a total of 500,000 were coined, but most were melted, leaving a net mintage of just 46,348. Of these, most are well circulated, and finding a mint state example usually requires quite a bit of patience. To find a choice example, is quite a treat. This particular coin has mottled smoky gray toning with hints of blue gray and sunset tones near the devices. Boldly struck by the dies, we note strong details on the beard and the shield on the reverse. In their Population Report, PCGS notes only 8 graded this high, with 18 graded higher (best MS-65). Examination of the surfaces shows few signs of contact, and this coin is conservatively graded in our opinion. An important offering and one the specialist will truly enjoy.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
From the Benson collection and purchased from an unknown source in the 1940s.
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| Realized $9,200 |
