1847 Hawaiian Cent. PCGS graded MS-63 Red and Brown. These were coined by the Kingdom of Hawaii during the reign of King Kamehameha III and deliberately tied the Islands to the American currency system. The 1847 cents were known as "Keneta" loosely translated from "cents". They were coined by the private mint H.M. & E.I. Richards, Attleboro, Mass, and only a single order was placed in 1846 for 100,000 pieces. When they arrived in Honolulu Harbor onboard the ship Montreal January 14, 1847, they proved an extreme disappointment. The denomination read "HAPA HANERI" instead of the correct Hapa Hanele. Not only this, but the Kings portrait was unrecognizable. Stories of the time say that the natives threw them in the ocean rather than accept them in payment or spend them.
Those sent to Hawaii were probably worn or discolored by the bilge water of the Montreal, in whose hold they had spent many months. The few uncirculated ones likely trace their origins to a few held back in Massachusetts by the descendants of the Richards firm. It is said Wayte Raymond used to travel to Boston and purchase a few of these at a time, but this source was exhausted by 1956 (Breen). Without the few from the Richards firm, there would likely be no choice uncirculated pieces in existence today.
A very tough coin to locate much better, this one boasts mint red in the lettering and devices, with smooth brown toning throughout. There are a couple of minor spots on the right reverse rim. Well struck and very pleasing.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
