1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar: An Historic and Rare Coin
In 1928, the United States minted a commemorative coin honoring 150 years for the reason that first sighting of the Hawaiian Islands by way of British Captain James Cook. Local Hawaiians had been already settled there, but from a European point of view, the sighting changed into a full-size occasion.
Design and Artist
The coin changed into designed by way of artist Juliet May Fraser, born in Honolulu, and engraved through sculptor Chester Beach. One side of the coin depicts Captain James Cook, at the same time as the other side depicts a warrior from Hawaii standing on top of a excessive rock and gazing towards the enduring vicinity named ‘Diamond Head’.
The coin has eight triangles that depict the eight big islands of Hawaii. On the left is a compass needle of a ship and the initials ‘CB’ are the identity of Chester Beach.
Minting and distribution
The Philadelphia Mint produced a total of 10,008 coins, of which half were shipped to Hawaii and the remaining half distributed across the mainland US. 200 coins were reserved for VIPs and for exhibitions.
Each purchaser could only buy 5 coins.
Use and rarity
Coins were not properly handled, so numerous examples exhibit wear on the cheeks and fingers of James Cook. Approximately 1,500 coins were not originally placed for sale. Their popularity and scarcity made them the targets of counterfeiters. Numerous counterfeits feature a sandblasted or prooflike finish, not present on genuine coins.
Earlier Prices
In 1936, a coin vendor, William Rabin, sold this coin for $12.50. Tatham Coin Co. offered to sell it for $11. Pan-Pac Half Dollar alone was more costly at the time.
One collector, J. Henri Ripstra, had nearly cornered the market by purchasing around 800 coins for $20 each.
In 1964, this coin sold for $600.
Best Graded Coins and Their Auction Prices
There have been several of these coins graded high by the major grading services NGC and PCGS. Some of the best examples include:
- PCGS MS67+ #44627525 – Sold by Stack’s Bowers in August 2022 for $96,000. It was lovely with rainbow toning and light marks.
- PCGS MS67 CAC #45371756 – Sold by GreatCollections in September 2022. It had gold toning.
- NGC MS67 #3273759-006 – Auctioned for $33,350 and $30,550 in February 2011 and January 2015. The coin was bright.
Its high grade and superior toning are the prime reasons for its value.
1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Proof Half Dollar: Extremely Rare and Unique
Only 50 Sandblasted Proof coins were made by the Philadelphia Mint. These coins were gifted to special individuals, organizations and museums.
Individuals who were gifted these coins include:
- US President Calvin Coolidge
- Hawaiian History Society
- British Museum and King George V
- Coin designer Juliett Mae Fraser
- Dr. Albert E. Gregory (PCGS PR63)
- Edward L. Caum (PCGS PR64)
Very few of these coins exist today in graded form and have traceable auction histories.
Grading and Auction Information
It is probable that several of these 50 coins have multiple duplicates resulting from regrading and crossover. This explains why PCGS and NGC reports are not entirely lucid.
- NGC PF66 #2661854-001 – Auctioned by Heritage in January 2024 for a record price of $102,000.
- PCGS PR64 CAC #50152096 – Presented to President Coolidge. Sold a few times, most recently in 2021 for $60,000.
- PCGS PR63 CMQ #48845289 – Proof Coin discovered by Dr. Herbert E. Gregory, sold for $38,400 in March 2024.
Status Today
Even now, a lot of things are unknown about the authenticity and grading of this coin. 50 Proof Coins were struck in total, but there is a great deal of confusion regarding their identification and grading. The grading numbers of some of the coins are still inactive and some of the coins have been regraded multiple times, which has created chaos in the real figures.
Conclusion
Both the 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar and the Proof version of it are seemed as a few of the maximum wonderful and scarce of all American cash. Because of the layout, historic fee and shortage of those coins, they stay very popular amongst collectors. Prices for the Proof model by myself are presently stressful properly over $100,000, that is a testimony to its cultural and ancient cost.
FAQs
What is the 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar?
A commemorative coin honoring Captain Cook’s 150th anniversary of discovering Hawaii, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1928.
Who designed the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar?
It was designed by Juliette May Fraser and engraved by Chester Beach, a notable sculptor of U.S. commemorative coins.
How many coins were minted in total?
Only 10,008 coins were minted, with half sent to Hawaii and 200 held back as special presentation pieces.
