May 28, 2001, The Fairchild Family Trust Collection, Sale 10
Lot 839
5 piece Hawaiian coin set.
The set grades VF to AU. We note that the 1847 cent grades EF-45,
and the 1883 dollar grades VF-30. Lot of 5 coins.
Estimated Value $800-900.
Lot 840
1883 Hawaiian Eighth
Dollar. PCGS graded Proof 63. This is an extremely rare example of
the Hapawalu, or Eighth Dollar (one "bit", or half a quarter = 12
½¢). Only 20 were struck as pattern issues for the Hawaiian
Government from a single pair of dies prepared at the Philadelphia Mint.
Curiously, the other pattern issues for Hawaiian coinage were prepared and
coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. These dies were prepared by Charles E.
Barber and or George T. Morgan. Claus Sprekels, the sugar king, used his
influence to have the coins made for the Hawaiian Government.
We note faint
hairlines in the fields, accounting for the grade, and the devices are all
sharply struck. Toned a bit with hazy gold around the edge, and with a minor
streak in the left obverse field, with a tiny mint made flaw within the streak
below the first A of KALAKAUA near the King's neck. Apparently struck in silver
(as well as other metals) with a reeded edge, which is visible in the PCGS
holder. Long known as a classic rarity, and certain to be the highlight of any
specialized Hawaiian collection.
Soon after the dies were prepared, and a
few coins struck, the Hawaiian Government decided to change the denomination
from a 12 ½¢ coin to a dime, sealing the fate of this curious
issue. The original dies were defaced and now reside in the Hawaiian state
archives. Few auction records are recorded for these, they simply don't turn up
often with so few minted. The last one we noted was offered in Superior's
February 1999 auction, lot 1509, but it was only PCGS PR-61.
A recent PCGS
Population Report notes only 3 graded as such, with 2 coins graded higher, both
PR-66 (same coin submitted twice?), and a few graded lower than PR-63.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Lot 841
1891 Hawaiian Pattern
Silver Dollar, Queen Liliuokalani Gould-90. Proof 65. This silver
medal was made to order by a wealthy London collector named Reginald Huth, and
produced by Messrs. Pinches & Co., die sinkers and medallists of London. Note
the tiny date 18 93 on the two surrounding stars by the denomination on the
reverse. The portrait of Queen Liliuokalani, the sister of King Kalakaua, is
quite becoming. Only 50 were struck in silver, and one in gold using a
different reverse. This is clearly one of the finest to exist, with superb
surfaces and even more magnificent deep blue toning than words can describe.
Make sure to view this beauty before the sale to see the stunning surfaces and
color. The only signs of handling we found were minor light hairlines in the
mirror fields.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Purchased from Abner
Kreisberg many years ago for $950.
Lot 842
1883 Hawaiian coinage
group. This lot includes the 1883 Hawaiian dollar; half dollar; quarter
and dime (3 pieces). Grades range from Good to Very Fine. Most have been
cleaned, but good for distribution on ebay! Lot of 6 coins.
Estimated Value
$250-300.