"1884" Hawaiian Fantasy Strike - Half Dollar, Platinum (c.1900)

Coin Details

Description

This 1884 platinum half dollar hub impression is the single most extraordinary piece in Hawaiian numismatics. A fantasy strike of the Hawaiian hapalua design in platinum, this piece combines the extreme rarity of platinum numismatic items from this era with the desirability of Hawaiian coinage designs to create a uniquely valuable artifact. Platinum was exceedingly rare in numismatic applications during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While Russia produced platinum coinage in the 1830s-1840s, platinum was not used for any official coinage in the Americas during this period. A platinum Hawaiian hub impression from circa 1900 is therefore an almost unparalleled numismatic curiosity. The production of this piece required access to both the original Hawaiian coinage hub (or a copy thereof) and platinum metal suitable for striking, indicating it was created by someone with both numismatic connections and access to precious metals, through mining or refining industry contacts.

Rarity Notes

Unique or nearly so. A platinum Hawaiian half dollar hub impression may be the single rarest Hawaiian numismatic piece. PCGS #510969.

Cross References

PCGS #510969; Medcalf-Russell