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Sale 69
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Lot 1839
1883 Hawaiian Half Dollar. NGC graded Proof 65 Cameo. CAC Approved. Among the finest known. A breathtaking Gem that the viewer will discover boasts magnificent cameo frost on the devices, devices with delicately frosted, precisely detailed relief and surrounded by gorgeous deep liquid-reflective fields. The obverse is accented by a splash of wonderful cobalt blue, rich with iridescence. Along the lower obverse rim the toning starts converging into a blush of the most delicate gold and lavender including warm gold as well on the reverse. More toning is noted at the Hawaiian denomination HAPALUA on the immaculate, fully gleaming reverse. (The Hawaiian word Hapalua means quite literally, "half [of] two" or, more or less the same thing, "the fraction ½," which also appears in the field left of the shield.)
The Proof mintage of 26 pieces assures this denomination its place in the roster of rarities. This denomination is also the second most difficult Hawaiian coin to obtain as a business strike, adding significantly to its general appeal among seekers of the finest in Hawaiian coinage.
According to the Stack’s research from 2008, "Consulting the Dannreuther-Garrett auction record reveals that Proof-61 and Proof-63 are the highest grades appearing at public auction in recent times. Providing additional insight into this Gem Proof's exceptional rarity is the knowledge that this is the finest graded by NGC and that PCGS has certified no half dollar in Proof-65 and only one in Proof-66, the highest grade assigned. Investigation is likely to prove that this splendid full Gem approaches the pinnacle in any list of finest known pieces."
(Once part of a five-piece 1883 Hawaiian silver Proof set that appears to have been kept intact since the time of striking until recent times.) Pop 1; none finer at NGC .
Note: The Hawaiian motto appears on the reverse of all five silver denominations struck for Kalakaua. It was adopted by the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1843 and was used in an address by King Kamehameha III at ceremonies following the return of his kingdom from the British. British captain Lord George Paulet of the HMS Carysfort demanded that Hawaii was ceded to Great Britain in response to claims of political abuses against British residents made by British Consul Richard Charlton. After Kamehameha III sent word to London of the captain's undiplomatic actions, Admiral Richard Darton Thomas returned sovereignty back to the King. The motto is also featured in Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's song "Hawaii '78" and is used on the Hawaii state quarter.
Estimated Value $22,000 - 25,000.
The Forsythe Collection; earlier from Stack's 11/2008 sale.
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| Realized $39,100 |
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