Hawaii Miscellaneous Coins Subseries
Obverse
Reverse
The 'Hawaii Miscellaneous Coins' series is a complex and fascinating field, encapsulating the islands' journey from a sovereign kingdom to a U.S. state. The story begins with the landmark Kalākaua coinage of 1883. Prior to this, Hawaii's economy relied on a chaotic mix of foreign coins, primarily from the United States, and crude, privately issued plantation tokens. King Kalākaua I, inspired by European monarchies during his 1881 world tour, sought to establish a national coinage to foster Hawaiian pride and assert monetary sovereignty. This was a powerful political statement during a period of increasing American influence. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and struck in San Francisco, the silver coinage mirrored U.S. specifications, a pragmatic decision to ensure easy circulation. However, the business community, fearing inflation and currency devaluation, initially met the coins with hostility. Acceptance grew, but their life was short-lived. Following the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893 and U.S. annexation in 1898, Congress demonetized the Hawaiian coins in 1903, leading to a massive recall and melting, which is the primary cause of their present-day scarcity. The broader category also includes privately issued tokens from Hawaii's sugar plantations (c. 1860s-1890s), which served as essential local currency for plantation workers. Following statehood in 1959, a new era of numismatics began, characterized by commemorative medals and tokens. The official 1959 Statehood Medals were a key issue, followed by a proliferation of private issues, most notably from the Royal Hawaiian Mint (founded 1974). These modern issues, often denominated in 'Dala,' celebrate Hawaiian history, culture, and royalty, catering to collectors and tourists and continuing the legacy of Hawaiian numismatic identity.
Assayer/MinterUnited States Mint (San Francisco), various private firms (19th C. tokens), Medallic Art Co., Royal Hawaiian Mint (modern).
Minter HistoryThe series involves multiple minters. The 1883 coinage was a contract arrangement between the Kingdom of Hawaii, financed by businessman Claus Spreckels, and the United States Mint, with famed engraver Charles E. Barber designing the pieces. Plantation tokens were often crudely made by local blacksmiths. Modern issues are produced by private mints, most prominently the Medallic Art Company for the 1959 Statehood medal and the Royal Hawaiian Mint, founded by Bernard von NotHaus, for a long-running series of commemorative medals and 'Dala' since the 1970s.
Reason for MintingTo establish monetary sovereignty and national pride (1883), to facilitate local commerce on plantations (tokens), and to commemorate historical events (post-1959 medals).
Historical SignificanceThis series offers a tangible narrative of Hawaiian political and economic history. The Kalākaua coins are enduring symbols of the Hawaiian Kingdom's brief period of national self-assertion before American annexation. The plantation tokens are artifacts of the sugar industry's dominance and its labor system. The modern commemorative issues reflect a continued celebration of Hawaiian heritage and culture in the post-statehood era, serving as important cultural touchstones.
Geographic OriginHonolulu, Kingdom of Hawaii (authorized); San Francisco, CA (minted 1883); various Hawaiian locations.
Varies significantly. The 1883 issues feature a right-facing portrait of King Kalākaua I, acclaimed for its regal quality. Plantation tokens are often crude, with simple text, numbers, or basic symbols like a starfish. Modern medals and 'Dala' display a wide range of designs, including portraits of other Hawaiian monarchs (Kamehameha I, Liliuokalani), cultural symbols (hula dancers, surfers), and historical landmarks (Iolani Palace).
Obverse InscriptionTypically includes the ruler's name and title on royal issues (e.g., 'KALAKAUA I KING OF HAWAII'). Plantation tokens bear the plantation name (e.g., 'WAILUKU PLANTATION'). Modern issues feature thematic text related to the commemoration (e.g., 'HAWAIIAN STATEHOOD').
Reverse DescriptionThe 1883 silver dollar features the elaborate Hawaiian Coat of Arms on a mantle, while the fractional silver displays a simpler version of the arms. The dime shows a wreath and crown. Plantation tokens are often simple, sometimes just displaying the denomination. Modern issues have diverse reverses, often depicting maps, historical scenes, or symbols related to the obverse theme.
Reverse InscriptionCommon inscriptions include the Hawaiian motto 'UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO' (The life of theland is perpetuated in righteousness), the denomination in both English and Hawaiian (e.g., 'AKAHI DALA' for One Dollar), and the date.
CompositionVaries: 90% Silver (1883 issues), Copper or Brass (Plantation Tokens), Bronze, Silver (.925 or .999 fine), and Gold (Modern commemoratives).
DenominationVaries widely: 10¢, 25¢, 50¢, $1 (1883); various token denominations (e.g., 6.25¢, 12.5¢); modern commemorative 'Dala' and medals.
Stated FinenessThe 1883 coinage was struck to U.S. Mint standards (90% Silver). Modern precious metal issues are typically marked with their fineness, such as '.999 FINE SILVER'.
Actual FinenessThe 1883 coinage is consistent with U.S. Mint standards of the era. Modern private issues are generally accurate to their stated fineness.
Varies from unique or extremely rare for some plantation tokens to several hundred thousand for the 1883 silver issues (e.g., 500,000 for the quarter and dollar). Modern commemorative mintages range from very low limited editions to larger commercial productions.
Survival EstimateSurvival rates for the 1883 silver issues are low due to the 1903 recall and melting; the silver dollars were most heavily affected, with over 90% of the mintage destroyed, leaving a net distribution of under 50,000. Circulated examples are common, but high-grade Mint State examples are scarce. Plantation tokens are universally rare due to heavy local use and limited original mintages. Modern issues generally survive in high grades as they were intended for collectors.
Rarity ScaleThe series spans the entire rarity spectrum, from common modern bronze medals (R-1) to the extremely rare 1883 pattern Hapawalu (1/8 Dollar) and unique plantation tokens (R-8 to R-9).
This series is highly prized for its deep historical connections, beautiful designs (especially the Kalākaua coinage), and the challenge of assembling a representative collection. It appeals to collectors of U.S. territorial issues, exonumia, and those interested in Hawaiian history and culture.
Key Varieties1. **Kalākaua Coinage (1883):** The core set of Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar, and Dollar. 2. **Plantation Tokens:** Numerous varieties by plantation (Wailuku, Haiku, etc.) and denomination. Key variations exist, such as the 'broad' vs 'narrow' starfish on Wailuku tokens. 3. **Statehood Medals (1959):** Official issues in bronze, silver, and rare gold. Notable error variety exists on some with 'NIIHAU' misspelled as 'NII HAU'. 4. **Royal Hawaiian Mint Issues:** A vast series of 'Dala' and medals commemorating Hawaiian royalty and events from 1974 to the present.
Reference #Not Applicable; primary reference is 'Hawaiian Money: Standard Catalog' by Medcalf & Russell (M&R).
Authentication TipsFor the 1883 Kalākaua coinage: 1) **Weight & Specs:** Verify against U.S. coin standards of the era (e.g., a silver dollar should be ~26.73g). 2) **Reeding:** The edge should have fine, evenly spaced reeds similar to a Morgan Dollar; counterfeits often have crude, uneven, or incorrect reed counts (a known fake dime has 83 reeds vs. 124 on a genuine one). 3) **Die Markers:** Look for known diagnostics on counterfeits, such as raised lumps on King Kalākaua's mustache or in the fields. The texture of the fields on fakes is often grainy or porous. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is highly recommended for any valuable piece.
Shopping ConsiderationsFor 1883 issues, 'good value' is often found in problem-free, original circulated examples (VF to AU) with pleasing, even wear and attractive toning. For Mint State coins, strike quality is paramount; look for sharp details in the King's hair and beard. For plantation tokens, historical significance and clear markings often outweigh the technical grade, which is frequently low. For modern issues, originality of packaging and accompanying certificates of authenticity can be important. Eye appeal is a critical factor across the entire series.
A coin's grade is its condition, rated on a 1-70 scale. For rare coins, this is the most critical factor in determining value, as a tiny difference in preservation can mean a huge difference in price.
Relevant Grade TypesAll original 19th-century issues were business strikes intended for circulation. A small number of Proofs of the 1883 series were struck and are exceptionally rare. Modern issues (post-1959) are frequently available in Mint State and Proof finishes specifically for collectors.
Mint State CharacteristicsUncirculated Kalākaua coins are judged by their luster, strike, and marks. High-quality examples exhibit booming, satiny luster and a sharp strike on the high points of the King's portrait and the intricate details of the coat of arms. Bag marks are common and heavily influence the grade. Modern proof issues are expected to have flawless, mirrored fields and frosted devices.
Circulated Wear PatternsOn the 1883 Kalākaua series, wear first appears on the high points of the King's hair, cheekbone, and beard on the obverse. On the reverse, the high points of the crown, the shield, and the mantle on the dollar show the first signs of friction. Plantation tokens often exhibit heavy, uneven wear due to their crude manufacture and harsh circulation.
Key Factors for ValueKey value drivers are: 1) **Rarity:** Both absolute rarity (mintage/survival) and condition rarity (scarcity in high grades). 2) **Grade:** The single most important factor for investment-quality pieces. 3) **Eye Appeal:** Coins with attractive, original toning and clean surfaces command significant premiums. 4) **Strike:** A sharp, full strike is highly desirable, especially for the 1883 series. 5) **Provenance:** For exceptional examples, a documented history of ownership in famous collections can substantially increase value.