1871 Hawaiian Plantation Token - Wailuku, 12-1/2 Cents, Broad Starfish

Coin Details

Auction Record

$5,520 AU53BN 04-25-2021 Heritage Auctions

Description

The Wailuku Sugar Company 12.5-cent token with the broad starfish design is a key piece in the Hawaiian plantation token series. This denomination, expressed as 12 1/2 cents, reflects the Spanish-colonial bit system where one real equaled 12.5 cents, bridging the gap between Spanish and American monetary traditions still coexisting in 1870s Hawaii. The broad starfish variety features a wider, more spread rendering of the starfish central device compared to the narrow starfish counterpart also struck in 1871. At 23mm, this token was slightly larger than the half-real denomination, appropriate to its higher purchasing power at the Wailuku Plantation store in central Maui. Wailuku Plantation operated its own irrigation system fed by the Wailuku River, and the plantation store stocked provisions imported from Honolulu and the mainland for its growing labor force. The 12.5-cent denomination could purchase basic foodstuffs, tobacco, or small household items. The broad starfish design has become one of the most recognizable motifs in the Hawaiian token series, and these pieces are eagerly pursued by collectors of both Hawaiian numismatica and American plantation tokens.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The broad starfish variety is somewhat more available than the narrow starfish type but remains difficult to locate in higher grades. Most surviving examples exhibit moderate to heavy circulation wear.

Cross References

PCGS #412434; Medcalf-Russell Hawaiian Money; Rulau-Fuld Hawaii listings