Numismatic

1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar AU

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In 1928, a special silver half dollar was struck to mark the 150th anniversary of a major historical milestone. With a very limited mintage of just 9,958 pieces, this coin stands as a fascinating artifact of American numismatic history, celebrating the sesquicentennial of contact between European explorers and the Hawaiian Islands. The obverse of the coin features a detailed portrait of Captain James Cook, the famous navigator who arrived in the islands in 1778. The design includes the inscriptions "JAMES COOK DISCOVERER OF HAWAII" alongside the dual commemorative dates of 1778 and 1928. Essential national mottos like "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are also integrated into the design. On the reverse, the coin depicts a native Hawaiian chief standing tall with an outstretched arm, holding a spear in his other hand. This striking imagery captures the spirit of the islands and is accompanied by the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the face value of "HALF DOLLAR". Struck in 90 percent silver and containing approximately 0.3617 troy ounces of precious metal, this Philadelphia-minted coin is preserved in Almost Uncirculated condition, offering a remarkably clear look at a design that was produced in incredibly small numbers.