For sale on eBay: That PCGS XF45 Hawaiian dollar
Weiss
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That I listed here earlier. Just an FYI for those who were interested when I listed it here...
PCGS XF45 1883 Hawaiian Dollar
PCGS XF45 1883 Hawaiian Dollar
We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last.
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The details, and a
This 1883 Hawaiian dollar is graded XF45 by the gold standard of coin grading: PCGS.
The Hawaiian coinage of 1883 is some of the most interesting in our nation’s history. The dies were executed by US Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber of the famous Barber coinage series of the late 19th and early 20th century. The coins were struck at the United States Mint at San Francisco, on US standard silver dollar planchets. The series was limited to one year: 1883.
There were over 28 million US silver dollars struck in 1883, including over 6 million struck at San Francisco. But the US mint struck only 500,000 Hawaiian dollars total. The coin shortage which necessitated their production led to these coins circulating heavily in the short span between their release and Hawaii becoming a US possession, at which point they were quickly withdrawn and melted. Records indicate that fewer than 1/10th of the original small mintage of 500,000 were unaccounted for after melting. Of the fewer than 50,000 coins that remained, it’s easy to believe that a substantial number, or even the majority, were lost, melted, or destroyed over the last 125 years. And surviving gradeable examples--pieces not formerly used in jewelry, or as decorations, not tooled, re-toned, or re-engraved? They are virtually non-existent. Look carefully at the ungraded examples on venues like eBay. It’s a safe bet that the authentic pieces have been submitted over and over to reputable grading companies. But consider that PCGS has graded a scant 338 pieces XF45 or higher. And combined, PCGS and NGC have graded exactly 780 pieces total across all grades. 780! And how many of those are resubmitted examples?
This example exhibits an excellent strike, with great detail in the hair and beard of Kalakaua I on the obverse, and crisp, clear details on the coat of arms on the reverse. As with virtually all of the surviving pieces, this coin may have been lightly cleaned long ago, or possibly carried as a pocket piece as these curious novelties inevitably were. Light gold peripheral toning gives way to a gunmetal surface, under which a fair amount of luster remains. Fields are somewhat proof-like and give the coin an attractive subtle cameo. Images provided to show both direct overhead light, and angled lighting which illustrates the subtle cameo appearance. PCGS has graded this coin XF45.
The scarcity of these coins is just one factor in its appeal. No 19th century US silver dollar collection is complete without an 1883 Hawaiian dollar. It should also appeal to collectors of San Francisco mint pieces, 19th century type collectors, and Charles Barber collectors. And the growing Hawaiian native history movement, and the recent election of Hawaiian native son President Barack Obama will only add to the coin’s desirability in years to come.
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<< <i>Nice write up and great looking Barber $1 for the grade
Thanks! Last bump, and it's gone for good...
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