1972 Hawaiian Medal - China Clipper 1935 Commemorative

Coin Details

Auction Record

$510 SP64 09-28-2020 eBay

Description

This 1972 silver medal commemorates the historic 1935 China Clipper flight, the first commercial transpacific airmail service operated by Pan American Airways. The Martin M-130 flying boat, christened the China Clipper, departed Alameda, California on November 22, 1935, carrying over 100,000 pieces of mail on its inaugural route through Honolulu, Midway, Wake Island, Guam, and Manila. The flight was a watershed moment for Hawaii, transforming the islands from a remote Pacific outpost into a critical waypoint on the transpacific air route. Captain Edwin Musick piloted the aircraft, and the event was broadcast live on radio to a nationwide audience. The Honolulu stop at Pearl Harbor was the first scheduled refueling point, cementing the islands' role in Pacific aviation. This 40mm silver medal was produced as part of a series of Hawaiian historical commemoratives during the early 1970s. The medallic arts revival of this period saw numerous private mints producing historically themed pieces in precious metals, capitalizing on growing collector interest in Hawaiian numismatic material and the broader commemorative medal market.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon. Private mint commemorative production, limited to a few hundred pieces in silver.

Cross References

PCGS #826223