1976 Hawaiian Medal - Medcalf 2MD-816, Hilo $1 Silvered

Coin Details

Description

The 1976-77 Hilo Dollar medal, cataloged as Medcalf-Russell 2MD-816, is a silvered commemorative piece associated with the city of Hilo on Hawaii’s Big Island. Produced during the American Bicentennial period, this dollar-sized medal reflects the vibrant tradition of Hawaiian community commemoratives that flourished during the 1960s through 1980s, when civic organizations, chambers of commerce, and merchant associations across the Hawaiian Islands issued medals and tokens celebrating local history, culture, and events. Hilo, the largest city on the island of Hawaii and the seat of Hawaii County, has a rich history as a sugar-producing center and port city. The Hilo Dollar would have been issued as a promotional or commemorative piece, in connection with local festivals, trade events, or civic celebrations. The silvered composition — a base-metal core with a thin silver plating — was a common choice for commemorative medals of this era, providing an attractive appearance at lower cost than solid silver. At 38.6mm diameter and 19.12 grams with a reeded edge, the medal approximates the size and feel of a silver dollar, reinforcing its identity as a "dollar" commemorative. Hawaiian community medals from the 1970s and 1980s form a rich collecting subcategory within the broader Hawaiian numismatic field. The Medcalf-Russell catalog provides the standard reference for these issues, documenting hundreds of varieties produced by communities across all the major Hawaiian islands.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon but available to dedicated collectors. Community commemorative medals from this era were typically produced in limited quantities. Mint state examples are the norm.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell 2MD-816; PCGS #970936; Hilo, Hawaii community commemorative