1996 Hawaiian Mahalo Dala - X#16 Variant, Silver

Coin Details

Description

The 1996 Mahalo Dala is a silver commemorative trade piece incorporating one of the most recognizable Hawaiian words into its denomination. Mahalo, meaning thank you or gratitude in the Hawaiian language, gives this piece a warm cultural resonance that distinguishes it from other trade Dala issues. Cataloged as Krause X#16 Var, the Var designation indicates a variant of the standard X#16 issue. The mid-1990s represented a mature period for Hawaiian commemorative production, with an established collector base and well-developed distribution channels through Hawaiian gift shops, coin dealers, and tourist venues. The Mahalo Dala concept cleverly combined numismatic collectibility with cultural souvenirism, making it an ideal gift item as well as a collector piece. The use of Hawaiian language on modern commemorative pieces reflects the broader Hawaiian cultural renaissance that gained momentum from the 1970s onward, including the revitalization of the Hawaiian language, traditional navigation, hula, and other cultural practices.

Rarity Notes

Uncommon. Production in the range of 500-1,500 pieces for this silver variant. The Mahalo theme ensures lasting collector appeal.

Cross References

PCGS #618197; Krause X#16 Var