|
Sale 54
Lot 1504
1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65 Red & Brown M-CPC4 Copper Pattern. Lovely shades of red colors. Only 18 minted. From an original 4-piece set of copper Patterns. This amazing coin's beautiful fiery golden red cameo devices seem to float on the essentially flawless deep liquid-molten gold fields. A few subtle hairlines are seen in the obverse field, but these are of no importance where the generally majestic eye appeal is concerned. The gleaming coppery fields subtly contrast with a hint of toning that overlays the entire surface both obverse and reverse.
The larger diameter of the one-dollar denomination allowed the mint to place the entire Hawaiian coat of arms and supporters on the piece. It features an elaborate ermine mantle on this reverse. Over the years, strong growth of interest in Hawaiiana collecting has driven the interest in such pieces to heights unimagined by collectors and coin dealers of the 1960s and 1970s when these were more or less relegated to the backwaters of American numismatics.
Only the one Proof copper dollar has been graded by NGC at this level (see below) which means that bidders have a fair shot at owning what has to be the Finest Known copper pattern dollar of the Kingdom of Hawaii. This specimen is truly spectacular. It is perfectly possible that the present glittering Proof to become the centerpiece in a collection of Hawaiian coins. Pop 1; the only example graded in RB at NGC.
Kalakaua I, born David La'amea Kamanakapu'u Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalakaua and sometimes called The Merrie Monarch (November 16, 1836 - January 20, 1891), was the last reigning king of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He served in office from February 12, 1874 until his death at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California, on January 20, 1891.
When King Kamehameha V, the last monarch of the Kamehameha dynasty, died on December 12, 1872 without naming a successor to the throne several candidates arose, including William C. Lunalilo and Kalakaua. Lunalilo was the more popular of the two while Kalakaua was much more conservative than his main opponent, Lunalilo.
On January 1, 1873, a popular election was held for the office of King of Hawaii. Lunalilo won with an overwhelming majority. The next day, the legislature confirmed the popular vote and elected Lunalilo unanimously. Kalakaua conceded.
However, barely a year later, Lunalilo died on February 3, 1874. (King Lunalilo did not enjoy good health during his reign. He had some bad health habits; for example, he was an alcoholic like many of the Hawaiian kings.) With his death, Kalakaua was elected to replace him, supported by the legislature although many of the populace, mainly the native Hawaiian and British subjects in the Kingdom, preferred Queen Dowager Emma, who stood against him.
Upon ascending the throne, Kalakaua named his brother, William Pitt Leleiohoku, as his heir, putting an end to the era of elected kings in Hawaii.
Estimated Value $20,000 - 30,000.
Ex: John Daggett (Superintendent, San Francisco Mint 1893-97) as part of a complete 4-piece copper Pattern set; Hallie Daggett (John Daggett's daughter); Earl Parker; sold to Gordon Medcalf, 1961; Sold to Al Ostheimer; Superior Auction Feb 1975 Lot 1540;Ronald Russell; Present Owner (9/09 Collection).
|
| |
| Realized $89,125 |
|
