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Sale 54
Lot 1505
1883 Hawaiian Dollar. NGC graded Proof 62 Brown M-CPC4 Copper, KM-7A. Struck in Copper. Nicely toned. A few random surface marks including a tiny tic by Kalakaua's lips. Only 18 struck. Pop 1; 1 finer in PF66 Brown. Only 2 examples graded in PF Brown at NGC.
For a Proof, a sleek deep steel brown specimen with an even flow of subtle transitions from lighter to darker hues on both sides. Attractively struck as well, with just outstanding detail in the major devices, showing all of the sharp depth imparted by the dies. These dies were engraved by the mint's chief engraver, Charles E. Barber, who is famous for his Barber dime, quarter dollar, and half dollar, among others. It was Barber who was given the photographs and drawings for this particularly pleasing design. At the time of issue, comments favorable to the King and his coins came in from all directions, comparing the quality of workmanship to the finest designs on European and British coins of the realm then circulating. The numismatist will no doubt enjoy hours of pleasure studying this copper pattern for the Hawaiian dollar. A magnifying glass reveals all the intricacies of Barber's handiwork with amazing detail.
Contrary to some rulers, Kalakaua sported a good head of hair and a typical full beard of the era, which is rendered here in all its dignified style. Two years before this coin's issuance, Kalakaua embarked on an around-the-world trip where he met leaders and potentates from numerous countries -- and is believed to be the first Monarch to do so in modern world history.
According to Kuykendall, "The king and his suite left Honolulu on the steamer City of Sidney, January 20, 1881, going first to San Francisco. During a stay of about ten days in California, Kalakaua was extensively entertained by personal friends and public officials in the bay area and in the state capital, Sacramento." His journey then took him to Japan, where he met with the emperor and his court. He visited a number of the main cities of Japan before the journey continued to the Malay States and Burma. Then it was on to India, Egypt, across the Mediterranean to Italy where he re-entered the Western world after four months of travel through Oriental lands. Because it was so late in the season by then, the first week of July, Kalakaua decided to go on to England where he was elaborately entertained by Queen Victoria. There were strong business ties between England and Hawaii, and the Hawaiian Monarch was received with "every mark of distinction," according to Kukyendall. One diplomatic informant writes to his friend at this time, "I desire to assure you that the many persons who have met His Majesty, since His arrival here, express themselves as highly pleased with His Majesty's appearance, bearing, and intelligence, and I am compelled to believe that this visit is of great advantage to the Hawaiian islands in creating a just and proper idea of the civilization of our nation."
After eighteen days in England, Kalakaua returned to the continent and visited Belgium, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, and Portugal, before heading to New York and Philadelphia and then on to Washington where Pres. Chester A. Arthur had very recently become president of the United States following the death of Garfield. He left San Francisco near the end of October for the trip back to Hawaii, where he "received a joyous and tumultuous welcome."
Estimated Value $8,000 - 10,000.
From the 9/09 Hawaii Collection.
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| Realized $18,975 |
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