|
Sale 69
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1880
1895 Hawaiian FR-7 Reginald Huth Gold ($20). PCGS graded Proof 63 Cameo CAC Approved. In a new secure plus holder. Pop 1; none finer at PCGS. We believe only 2 are known. This example and one in the Smithsonian. Four dolphins flank the portrait of Princess Kaiulani (1875-99) on this imposing gold issue by Reginald Huth.
Struck in gold with a weight that of a contemporary U.S. $20 gold piece, the piece is graded by PCGS Proof 63 Cameo. The obverse features a head of the Princess along with four dolphins in the nearby field. The reverse depicts a globe centered on the Hawaiian Islands and bears the date October 16, 1893 (which was the eighteenth birthday of the Princess). In tiny numerals, the date 18 95 appear in the two circles or typographic stops at either side of the globe for the year of issue. Kingdom of Hawaii specialists will recognize it as type of MH-5 (but with no Medcalf-Russell catalog number).
Technically neither a $20 gold piece nor a pattern, the 1895 Huth pieces are nonetheless coveted by Hawaiian specialists. According to Medcalf, "They are extremely popular and seldom offered for sale." This specimen of the $20 gold 1895 issue is the only one available for purchase; the other example known resides in the Smithsonian’s collection.
These fascinating high quality medals were struck by Messrs. Pinches & Co. of London, England. They were made to order for Reginald Huth, a wealthy English numismatist and royalist who made similar unofficial pieces for Spain, Madagascar, and England. It is noted by Medcalf that after minting the Hawaiian issue, the dies of these were reputedly destroyed.
Princess Kaiulani, whose full name was Victoria Kawekiu Lunalilo Kaianinuiahiiapaiapa Kaiulani was the final heir to the Hawaiian throne. Her visit to President Grover Cleveland is credited with his decision to deny annexing the Hawaiian Islands, although President McKinley annexed Hawaii in 1898, ending the Monarchy and short-lived Republic.
This Kaiulani Huth $20 gold is the grand prize of Hawaiian numismatics, seldom offered and especially desirable for being struck in gold. Listed in Friedberg under Hawaii F-7 Gold Coins Of The World.
Reginald Huth (1853-1926) was himself an auction consignor, or at least his estate was, selling his coin collection through Sotheby's in April and June 1927. It has been said that his fear of germs led him to wash all of his coins before placing them in his cabinet, which may have affected their later market performance considerably according to one commentator. This small group of Hawaiian Huth medals comes to us from Gerald Forsythe, a long-time specialist in Hawaiiana who, in this sale, has consigned multiple silver issues and this illustrious Kaiulani gold $20.
Estimated Value $200,000 - 250,000.
Ex: Ostheimer Collection; Edwards H. Metcalf Sale Lot 1527 February 1975 Auction $36,000; The Forsythe Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $230,000 |
|
