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Sale 69
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Lot 1829
1883 Hawaiian Quarter Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo CAC Approved. In a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; 1 finer in 65. Lovely gold and blue toning on the rims. A small obverse mark is noticeable to the left of the date. The 1883 Kingdom of Hawaii coinage dies were engraved by noted Philadelphia Mint specialist Charles E. Barber who had a hand in making many of, if not most of the Proof U.S. coins that were struck in those days. His talent went into the engraving and manufacture of the dies that struck this fascinatingly beautiful series of Hawaiian silver coins minted in 1883 and distributed into circulation in the Islands beginning in January 1884. Initially, in September of 1883, six Proof sets were struck which included the quarter (Hapaha); a year later, an additional 20 sets were sent to the Hawaiian government using the same dies. These sets were issued for presentation to dignitaries in the Islands and were never offered for public sale (unlike regular U.S. Proof sets of 1883). This example exhibits deep and watery mirrored surfaces on both sides with frosted devices prominently creating a cameo-like effect as the coin is tilted gently under a light. Both sides are beautifully toned in shades of deep amber and a shade approaching cobalt blue at the rims. Very attractive, one might almost say mesmerizing when one takes into account the extreme rarity of choice quality Proof Hawaiian coins. The remaining surface is pretty much left free of color. Conservatively graded, this specimen will afford the next owner hours of enjoyment as a prime example of late-Kingdom Hawaiiana. (PCGS #810989).
Historic note: According to Medcalf in his definitive guide "Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog" second edition, "Hawaiian coins are of the same weight and fineness as their U.S. counterparts. After striking the required number of coins, obverse dies were defaced and are now stored in the State Archives of Hawaii in Honolulu." For those who would like to see what these dies look like, Medcalf kindly supplies photographs of them on page 39 of his book. He goes on to note, "Hubs, from which the dies were made, are preserved ath the Philadelphia Mint."
Estimated Value $13,000 - 15,000.
The Forsythe Collection; ex: Edwards H. Metcalf Lot #1217 Feb 1976 Superior Sale; Ron Russell; The 9/09 Hawaii Collection.
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| Realized $16,100 |
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