1883 Hawaiian Dollar

Coin Details

Auction Record

$192,000 MS68 03-23-2006 Doyle

Description

The 1883 Hawaiian Dollar, called Akahi Dala in the Hawaiian language, is the crown jewel of Hawaiian numismatics and the single most famous coin associated with the Kingdom of Hawaii. Struck at the San Francisco Mint from dies engraved by Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, the Akahi Dala was produced to the same specifications as the American Morgan Dollar then in circulation: 38.1mm diameter, 26.73 grams, .900 fine silver. The obverse presents Kalakaua I at the full majesty of the dollar-sized format. The king’s portrait, facing right in military uniform with his collection of royal orders and foreign decorations, fills the field with a commanding presence. Barber executed what many numismatists consider one of the finest royal portraits on any nineteenth-century coin — dignified yet lifelike, projecting both personal authority and institutional sovereignty. The reverse displays the Hawaiian coat of arms at its most elaborate scale. Every element of the kingdom’s heraldic achievement is rendered with precision: the quartered shield, the warrior with spear, the attendant with kahili, the royal crown, and the motto "UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO." The result is a reverse design of exceptional beauty and complexity that rivals the finest heraldic coinages of European monarchies. Five hundred thousand business-strike dollars were produced, but the denomination suffered catastrophic losses during the post-annexation period. After Hawaii became a United States territory in 1898, the Hawaiian coins were gradually withdrawn from circulation. The dollars, containing the most silver per coin, were the primary targets for melting — 453,652 were eventually redeemed and destroyed, leaving a net surviving distribution of approximately 46,348 business strikes. This massive attrition rate transformed what had been a reasonably common coin into one of the key rarities of the Hawaiian series, and mint-state survivors are among the most coveted prizes in all of American territorial numismatics.

Rarity Notes

Scarce despite a 500,000 mintage due to massive post-annexation melting of 453,652 pieces. Net surviving distribution approximately 46,348. Circulated examples are obtainable but expensive. Mint state examples are rare and command very strong prices.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell 2CS-9; KM-7; PCGS #10995; NGC #17142; Also NGC#50028 (Hawaii section)