1893 Hawaiian Trade Token - Pantheon Saloon, 2TS-21, Brass

Coin Details

Auction Record

$805 AU Details 09-25-2022 eBay

Description

The Pantheon Saloon trade token is a brass merchant token from one of Honolulu's most famous and historically significant establishments. The Pantheon Saloon, located on Hotel Street in downtown Honolulu, was a popular gathering place for merchants, sailors, politicians, and plantation workers during the final decades of the Hawaiian Kingdom and into the Republic and Territorial periods. Trade tokens like this served a practical economic purpose in late 19th-century Hawaii, where small change was chronically scarce. Merchants issued their own tokens good for drinks, meals, or merchandise at their establishments. The Pantheon Saloon token is cataloged as 2TS-21 in the Medcalf-Russell reference and is among the most sought-after Hawaiian trade tokens due to the historical prominence of the establishment. The saloon operated during a pivotal period in Hawaiian history, witnessing the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in January 1893, the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii in 1894, and eventual U.S. annexation in 1898. The 34mm brass token would have circulated primarily among the saloon's regular patrons.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Hawaiian trade tokens are avidly collected within the Hawaiian numismatic specialty. Approximately 50-100 examples survive across all conditions.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell 2TS-21; PCGS #814090