1976 Hawaiian Medal - Medcalf 2MD-731, Hawaii $1 Silvered

Coin Details

Description

The 1976-87 Hawaii Dollar medal, cataloged as Medcalf-Russell 2MD-731, is a silvered commemorative piece from the prolific era of Hawaiian community medal production that spanned the Bicentennial through the late 1980s. This dollar-sized medal represents the broader statewide Hawaiian commemorative tradition rather than a specific city or island, indicating it was issued in connection with a statewide celebration, tourism initiative, or collector program. The extended date range of 1976-87 in the catalog indicates either a production run spanning multiple years or uncertainty about the precise date of issue. Many Hawaiian commemorative medals were produced in small batches over time as demand warranted. At 38.6mm diameter and 20.3 grams with a reeded edge, this medal is slightly heavier than the Hilo Dollar companion piece (2MD-816), indicating a slightly different planchet specification. The silvered surface treatment provides the traditional silver-dollar appearance that Hawaiian medal producers favored. Hawaiian community medals from this period capture a snapshot of island culture, economy, and identity during the tourism boom that transformed the Hawaiian economy in the decades following statehood. Collectively, these pieces form a fascinating numismatic record of how Hawaiian communities chose to represent themselves.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon. Hawaiian community commemorative medals were produced in limited quantities. Collector interest in the Medcalf-Russell cataloged series has grown as the pieces become harder to find.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell 2MD-731; PCGS #970937; Hawaii statewide commemorative