1986 Hawaiian Silver Ounce - THM KM-MB18, Kalakaua I

Coin Details

Description

The 1986-THM Kalakaua I King of Hawaii silver ounce commemorates the most numismatically significant Hawaiian monarch. King David Kalakaua (1836-1891), known as the Merrie Monarch for his love of Hawaiian music, dance, and cultural traditions, reigned from 1874 until his death in 1891. His greatest numismatic legacy was authorizing the 1883 Hawaiian coinage, the only official coins produced under the Hawaiian Kingdom. This one-ounce silver piece, cataloged as Krause KM-MB18, features a portrait of Kalakaua styled after the original Charles Barber portrait used on the 1883 coinage. The Hawaiian Mint (THM) produced this tribute during a period of renewed interest in Hawaiian cultural heritage and the pre-annexation Kingdom period. Kalakaua was a complex historical figure who championed Hawaiian cultural revival, including the restoration of hula (which had been suppressed by missionaries), while also pursuing modernization through electricity, telephones, and a new royal palace. His numismatic program was part of a broader assertion of Hawaiian sovereignty and national identity through the symbols of statehood.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon. Standard Hawaiian Mint silver ounce production, 500-2,000 pieces. The Kalakaua portrait theme makes this piece particularly popular among Hawaiian coinage collectors.

Cross References

PCGS #489257; Krause KM-MB18