Numismatic

1883 Hawaii Dollar Kalakaua I XF-45 NGC

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In 1883, a distinctive silver coin was struck for the Kingdom of Hawaii. This one dollar piece, minted at the San Francisco Mint, represents a fascinating chapter in Pacific numismatic history. With a total mintage of 500,000 pieces, each coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, crafted from a 0.900 fine silver composition. The obverse of the coin displays a detailed bust of King Kalakaua I, who ruled the Hawaiian Kingdom during this era. The reverse features the intricate central shield from the official Hawaiian Coat of Arms, a powerful symbol of the island nation's nineteenth-century sovereignty. Legible elements of the traditional Hawaiian inscriptions, including the word DALA (dollar), frame the reverse design. This particular specimen has survived the decades in remarkable condition, certified as Extra Fine-45. The preservation of its design details offers a clear look at the artistry and historical context of a sovereign kingdom's circulating currency.