"1883" 1/8D Hawaii Fantasy Strike, Bronze, BN PR (PCGS#10984)
The March 2012 Baltimore Auction
- Auctioneer
- Stack's Bowers
- Lot Number
- 4241
- Grade
- PR66
- Price
- 48,875
- Lot Description
- 1883 Hawaii Eighth Dollar. Medcalf-Russell 2CPC-1, KM-4a. Copper. Proof-66 BN (NGC). Exceptional quality and eye appeal as the toning is a blend of deep mahogany to chocolate brown with determined blue and teal accents intermixed. Boldly reflective mirror fields, with deep frost on the lettering and devices. One of just 18 struck in 1883 and sold in four piece pattern sets to collectors. Many have been handled by the famed Medcalf family dynasty (Gordon and son Don) in Hawaii over the generations. The Hapawalu denomination of 1/8th of a dollar is unique to the Hawaiian coinage. Furthermore, just 18 were struck making it the key to any collection while significantly larger numbers of cents, dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were struck for circulation in the years of 1847 (cents) and the balance 1883. Examination will confirm that this splendid piece of numismatic art is of the highest beauty and incredible quality, and graced by toning that is simply exquisite.<br />
This history of the Hawaiian Islands is as rich and varied as one could hope to study. Strategically located in the middle of the ocean, a major stopping point for any ships brave enough to venture so far from land, they became major stops for trade. In the late 1840s Lahina on Maui became a major whaling port and rose to prominence. The individual chieftains of each island had been consolidated long before under single rule, making a powerful kingdom for this island cluster. The Hawaiian King Lunalilo died without an heir in 1874 and David Kalakaua was selected as the new king by the legislature.<br />
Kalakaua undertook traveling and sought that his nation should have its own national coinage. Eventually the United States recognized the significance of Hawaii and relations with King Kalakaua and the order came down that America should produce Hawaiian coins. Charles E. Barber was given the task and created this Pattern
View the Original Auction