"1883" Hawaiian Fantasy Strike - Dollar, Obverse Hub Impression

Coin Details

Description

This obverse hub impression of the Hawaiian Dollar (akahi dala) denomination shows the Kalakaua portrait at its largest scale, from the hub used to create dies for the Hawaiian silver dollar. The akahi dala, with its 38.1mm diameter matching the U.S. Morgan dollar, was the flagship denomination of the 1883 coinage and the piece most closely associated with Hawaiian numismatics. The dollar-size hub impression reveals fine details of Barber's portrait engraving that may be less apparent on production strikes. The king is depicted wearing a military uniform with epaulettes, and the portrait captures his distinctive features including his full beard and dignified bearing. The larger format of the dollar allowed Barber to include more detail in the portrait than was possible on the smaller denominations. The 500,000 Hawaiian dollars produced in 1883 represented a substantial silver coinage that initially circulated at par with U.S. silver dollars. However, the coins eventually proved excessive for the islands' commerce, and large quantities were redeemed and melted, making survivors scarcer than the original mintage might suggest.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Dollar-denomination hub impressions are particularly prized by Hawaiian collectors. Approximately 10-30 examples survive. PCGS #511343.

Cross References

PCGS #511343; Medcalf-Russell