1891 Hawaiian Plantation Token - Kahului, 75 Cents

Coin Details

Auction Record

$28,200 MS63 08-02-2017 Heritage Auctions

Description

The Kahului Railroad Company 75-cent token is the highest denomination in the series and represents the most substantial single-token purchasing power available to plantation workers in central Maui. At three-quarters of a dollar, this token could purchase premium goods at the Kahului company store: imported clothing, tools, special foodstuffs, or a significant quantity of everyday provisions. The 75-cent value is unique among American numismatic denominations, further distinguishing the Kahului series from mainland monetary practice. This denomination was used less frequently than the smaller values, reserved for major purchases or accumulated by workers saving their scrip for larger acquisitions. The 27mm brass token maintained the uniform physical standard of the Kahului series despite its significantly higher value, meaning that identification depended entirely on reading the stamped denomination rather than feeling the token's size or weight. The Kahului Railroad Company's decision to cap its token series at 75 cents rather than issuing a full dollar token may reflect a deliberate policy of keeping individual scrip transactions below the one-dollar threshold, encouraging more frequent store visits. The 75-cent Kahului token is the key to completing the full denomination set and is the most sought-after piece in the series among collectors.

Rarity Notes

Rare. The 75-cent denomination is the scarcest of the standard Kahului series tokens, as the high value meant fewer were produced and circulated.

Cross References

PCGS #600542; NGC #765683; Medcalf-Russell Hawaiian Money; Rulau-Fuld Hawaii listings