So-Called Dollar HK-722, King Kamehameha Dollar

Coin Details

Description

The King Kamehameha dollar (HK-722) is an undated so-called dollar honoring Kamehameha I (c. 1758-1819), the founder and first ruler of the unified Kingdom of Hawaii. Kamehameha the Great unified the Hawaiian Islands through a combination of military conquest, diplomacy, and strategic alliances with Western traders who provided him with firearms and ships. By 1810, he had brought all the major Hawaiian islands under a single sovereign government for the first time in recorded history. The obverse of this so-called dollar features a portrait or representation of King Kamehameha, while the reverse carries Hawaiian-themed imagery or inscriptions. These pieces reflect Hawaii's unique numismatic heritage, bridging the pre-annexation Kingdom period with American commemorative tradition. Hawaii's history of distinctive coinage and medallic art includes the famous 1847 Kamehameha III cents, the 1883 Kalakaua silver coinage, and various plantation tokens. As a Hawaii-related so-called dollar, HK-722 is cataloged in the local commemorative section of the Hibler-Kappen reference and is particularly sought by collectors of Hawaiian numismatic material, a specialty collecting area with a dedicated and enthusiastic following.

Rarity Notes

Scarce to rare. Hawaiian-related so-called dollars attract strong collector interest from both the SCD and Hawaiian numismatic specialties, creating consistent demand.

Cross References

HK-722; PCGS #643337