"1883" Hawaiian Fantasy Strike - Eighth Dollar, Reverse Hub Impression

Coin Details

Description

This reverse hub impression of the Hawaiian 1/8 Dollar (hapawalu) complements the obverse hub impression, showing the reverse design from the original hub. Together, the obverse and reverse hub impressions document both sides of a denomination that was planned but never officially produced for circulation. The reverse hub would have carried the denomination marking and the Hawaiian coat of arms or other design elements consistent with the 1883 coinage series. As a hub impression, this piece shows the design in positive relief (raised), as it would appear on the finished coin, since hubs are positive tools used to impress negative (incuse) dies. The production of hub impressions as collectible pieces was a common practice in 19th and early 20th century numismatics. Die sinkers and Mint employees sometimes produced uniface impressions from hubs or dies as records of their work, gifts for friends, or items for sale to collectors. The Hawaiian hub impressions are particularly valued because they document an entire denomination that never reached production.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Companion piece to the obverse hub impression. Similar survival estimates of 10-30 examples. PCGS #511336.

Cross References

PCGS #511336; Medcalf-Russell