1883 Proof Hawaiian Half Dollar Pattern - P50C

Coin Details

Auction Record

$48,300 MS67+ 05-31-2012 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1883 Proof Hawaiian Half Dollar Pattern, designated P50C, with PCGS #10994 and NGC #750017, is the proof striking of the hapalua (half dollar) denomination. The half dollar had the largest mintage of any Hawaiian denomination at 700,000 business strikes, but proof examples were produced in extremely limited quantities. The proof half dollar displays the Kalakaua portrait and coat of arms at the intermediate 30.6mm scale, balancing the detail possible on the larger dollar with the more compact format. The hapalua was the workhorse denomination of Hawaiian commerce, and the proof version preserves the design at a level of perfection never seen on the heavily circulated business strikes. The NGC number 750017 for this proof half dollar places it in the same high-number catalog sequence as the second proof quarter variety (750018), suggesting these were cataloged together as part of a systematic review of Hawaiian proof varieties.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Proof half dollars are among the rarest Hawaiian proof types. Estimated production of 20-30 pieces. NGC #750017, PCGS #10994.

Cross References

NGC #750017; PCGS #10994; Medcalf-Russell