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

Coin Details

Auction Record

$4,113 XF45BN 04-26-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The narrow starfish variety of the Wailuku Sugar Company 12.5-cent token provides a fascinating die variety study within the Hawaiian plantation token series. Like its broad starfish counterpart, this copper token carries the 12 1/2 cent denomination equivalent to one Spanish real, but employs a distinctly different rendering of the central starfish device with narrower, more pointed arms. The existence of two starfish die varieties for the same denomination and year indicates either a deliberate design revision during the production run or the use of multiple dies to meet demand. Wailuku Plantation was expanding rapidly in 1871 under the management of C. Brewer and Company, one of Hawaii's Big Five business conglomerates that would come to control much of the islands' sugar industry. The plantation's token system ensured that wages paid to workers circulated within the plantation economy, a common practice across Hawaii's sugar estates. At 23mm diameter, the narrow starfish 12.5-cent piece matched the broad starfish version in size, and both varieties would have been accepted interchangeably at the Wailuku store. Die variety collectors prize the ability to assemble both starfish types for this denomination.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The narrow starfish variety is significantly scarcer than the broad starfish for the 12.5-cent denomination. Seldom offered at auction and rarely seen in grades above Fine.

Cross References

PCGS #600503; Medcalf-Russell Hawaiian Money; Rulau-Fuld Hawaii listings