1982 Hawaiian Medal - Kalakaua Centennial Kala Dala

Coin Details

Description

The 1982 King Kalakaua Centennial Kala Dala is a silver commemorative medal struck to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the 1883 Hawaiian silver coinage — the landmark series of dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollars that King David Kalakaua I commissioned from the San Francisco Mint. The "Kala Dala" name playfully references the Hawaiian dollar denomination while evoking the king’s name. Struck in .999 fine silver at 39mm diameter and 31.19 grams (one troy ounce), the Kala Dala was produced by the Royal Hawaiian Mint, an organization that specialized in producing modern Hawaiian-themed numismatic items. The one-ounce silver specification, combined with the reeded edge, gives the medal the substantial weight and feel of a silver dollar — an appropriate physical connection to the 1883 Akahi Dala it commemorates. The centennial of the Kalakaua coinage was a natural occasion for numismatic celebration. By 1982, the 1883 Hawaiian coins had become prized collectibles with a devoted following, and the centennial anniversary provided both a commercial opportunity and a genuine moment of reflection on Hawaii’s unique monetary heritage. The Royal Hawaiian Mint’s production of centennial pieces fit within a broader pattern of private mint commemoratives that emerged across the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, when the coin collecting hobby experienced enormous growth. The Hawaiian niche was particularly well-suited to this market, combining the appeal of precious metal content with the romantic history and cultural distinctiveness of the Hawaiian Islands.

Rarity Notes

Available in the collector market. One troy ounce .999 fine silver. Produced by the Royal Hawaiian Mint for the centennial of the 1883 Kalakaua coinage.

Cross References

Medcalf-Russell 2MD; PCGS #933593; NGC #898573; Royal Hawaiian Mint; Kalakaua Coinage Centennial 1883-1983