1879 Hawaiian Plantation Token - T. Hobron, 12-1/2 Cents, 2/2 Stars

Coin Details

Auction Record

$9,988 XF40 01-08-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The Thomas H. Hobron 12.5-cent token with two stars on both obverse and reverse, known as the 2/2 stars variety, represents one of the more enigmatic issues in the Hawaiian plantation token series. Thomas Henry Hobron was a prominent Honolulu businessman who operated a general merchandise store and held interests in several Hawaiian enterprises during the Kingdom period. His tokens, dated 1879, served as store scrip redeemable at his Honolulu establishment rather than a rural plantation store, making them somewhat unusual among Hawaiian tokens typically associated with sugar operations. The 2/2 stars die variety features two stars flanking the central design elements on each side of the token. At 21mm in diameter, the Hobron 12.5-cent token was practical for small retail transactions in 1879 Honolulu, which was then a busy Pacific port town serving whaling ships, merchant vessels, and the growing sugar trade. The 12.5-cent denomination maintained the traditional Spanish bit standard that persisted in Hawaiian commerce decades after American coinage began circulating in the islands. Hobron later became involved in Hawaiian politics and business ventures beyond his mercantile origins.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The 2/2 stars variety is one of two known die combinations for the Hobron 12.5-cent token. Few examples have been certified by major grading services.

Cross References

PCGS #503522; Medcalf-Russell Hawaiian Money; Rulau-Fuld Hawaii listings