1891 Hawaiian Akahi Dala

Coin Details

Description

The 1891 Akahi Dala (literally One Dollar in Hawaiian) is a large silver medallion produced during the final years of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Struck eight years after the official 1883 Kalakaua coinage, this piece represents a commemorative or trade issue rather than an official government coin. The obverse features the Hawaiian coat of arms with its distinctive quartered shield bearing vertical stripes and a central triangular field, flanked by the traditional supporters. By 1891, King Kalakaua had died and was succeeded by his sister, Queen Liliuokalani. The Hawaiian Kingdom was in political turmoil, with American sugar planters and businessmen increasingly agitating for annexation. This piece was produced as a trade token or commemorative during this politically charged period. The term Dala is the Hawaiian transliteration of Dollar, adopted when American currency concepts were introduced to the islands. At one ounce of silver, this piece was produced to bullion weight standards rather than the 26.73-gram standard of the 1883 coinage, indicating it was intended as a trade piece or commemorative rather than a circulating coin.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Precise mintage undocumented, but produced in very small quantities. Seldom offered at auction.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell; PCGS #849674