Aloha Riches: The Untold Story of Hawaiian Dollar Coins

Hawaii... Have you already vacationed there? What exactly do you remember about this place? Or maybe you just dream about a trip there? We understand. This is truly a heavenly place, which is also connected with the world of numismatics, oddly enough. 

Today we will talk about Hawaiian dollar coins and prepare your collection for an addition, in the future or in your dreams.

Historical Overview

The Hawaii dollar coin is also known as the "Hawaiian Dala". It was minted during the reign of King Kalakaua I, who was the last reigning king of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The coins were authorized by the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1883.

The coins were minted at the San Francisco Mint in 1883, with denominations including the one-cent (Hapa Haneri), dime (Umi Keneta), quarter dollar (Hapaha), half dollar (Hapalua), and dollar (Akahi Dala). The obverse of the coins features a portrait of King Kalakaua I, while the reverse displays a crowned shield surrounded by taro leaves, banana foliage and ferns. All this symbolizes Hawaii's agricultural wealth and the connection with the Hawaii dollar coin value.

These coins had limited circulation primarily because Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898, which led to the transition to U.S. currency. The Hawaiian dollar coins (or the Hawaii dollar coin of Honolulu) were demonetized on January 14, 1903.

Due to their limited mintage and circulation, Hawaiian dollar coins are considered rare and highly collectible. The Hawaiian dollar, in particular, is a prized piece among numismatists. You can find further information in different numismatic books and guides.

What about how they look? The coins feature detailed artwork that reflects the Hawaiian culture and King Kalakaua's reign. The one-dollar coin (Akahi Dala) weighs 26.73 grams, has a diameter of 38.1 mm, and is composed of 90% silver. Since these coins were minted in San Francisco, they bear the "S" mint mark.

Hawaii dollar Honolulu coins are not only valuable to collectors but also hold significant historical value as they represent a period of Hawaiian sovereignty before becoming a part of the United States. The coins are a tangible connection to Hawaii's history and its last monarch.

How much is a Hawaiian dollar coin worth? Today, Hawaiian dollar coins are sought after by collectors and are a notable part of American and Hawaiian numismatic heritage. The rarity, historical significance and unique design of these coins are the reason for the high Hawaiian dollar coins’ value.

Coins of the Hawaiian Dollar

1. 1883 Hawaiian One Cent (Hapa Haneri)

Obverse: Features a portrait of King Kalakaua I.

Reverse: Shows the denomination "1 CENT" and the Hawaiian motto "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono" ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness").

Composition: Bronze.

Value: $50 - $300 (depends on condition and rarity).

2. 1883 Hawaiian Dime (Umi Keneta)

Obverse: Portrait of King Kalakaua I.

Reverse: Denomination "10 CENTS" and the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.

Value: In good condition - $100 - $500.

3. 1883 Hawaiian Quarter Dollar (Hapaha)

Obverse: King Kalakaua I.

Reverse: Denomination "QUAR. DOL." and the Hawaiian coat of arms.

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.

Value: $150 - $600 (depends on condition and rarity).

4. 1883 Hawaiian Half Dollar Coin (Hapalua)

Obverse: Portrait of King Kalakaua I.

Reverse: Denomination "1/2 DOL." and the coat of arms.

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.

Value: $200 - $1,000 or more (depends on condition and rarity).

5. 1883 Hawaiian Dollar Coin (Akahi Dala)

Obverse: Features King Kalakaua I.

Reverse: Displays the Hawaiian coat of arms with the denomination "ONE DOL."

Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.

Value: The most valuable of the Hawaiian coins ($500 - $5,000).

6. Waikiki Hawaii Coin

It is a commemorative piece that pays tribute to one of Hawaii's most iconic locations, Waikiki Beach. These coins are generally produced as collector's items and may not have a high numismatic value like the historical Hawaiian dollar coins from the 19th century, but they hold cultural and souvenir value. 

Obverse: The obverse of a Waikiki Hawaii coin often features imagery related to Waikiki Beach, e.g., palm trees, surfboards and landmarks (Diamond Head in the background, etc).

Reverse: The reverse may display the state seal of Hawaii or other symbols significant to Hawaiian culture.

Material: These coins are usually made from various materials, including brass, silver or gold-plated metals.

Value: The value of Hawaii dollar coins with Waikiki beach varies based on their material, rarity, and condition.

Note: There are no official 1973 Hawaii dollar coins, 1976 Hawaii dollar coins, Hawaii dollar coins of 1974, Hawaii dollar coins of 1975, etc., that were issued by the U.S. Mint or the Kingdom of Hawaii, as the last official Hawaiian coins were minted in 1883. You may try to find these or other coins at Tennessee Coin Shows, or other auction events.

Where to Find? 10 Places for Everyone

1. Look for numismatic dealers who specialize in rare and historical coins. They often have extensive networks and can help locate specific Hawaiian coins.

2. Visit coin shops in your area. They might have Hawaiian coins in their inventory or can assist in sourcing them.

3. Attend major coin shows and conventions such as the American Numismatic Association (ANA) conventions. These events often feature rare coins and provide opportunities to connect with dealers and other collectors.

4. Check for regional and local coin shows, which can also be great places to find Hawaiian coins and meet knowledgeable numismatists.

5. eBay: A popular platform where collectors and dealers sell a wide variety of coins, including Hawaiian dollars. Be sure to verify the seller's reputation and authenticity of the coins.

6. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service): Their website offers a marketplace and valuable resources for coin collectors.

7. NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation): Provides a registry and marketplace for collectors to buy and sell graded coins.

8. Sotheby’s and Christie’s: Occasionally feature rare coin auctions, including historical coins like the Hawaiian dollars.

9. Stack's Bowers Galleries: Specializes in rare coin auctions and has a strong reputation in the numismatic community.

10. Join local coin clubs to connect with other collectors who might have Hawaiian coins or know where to find them.
    

    

Tips for Buying Hawaiian Dollar Coins

Always buy coins that have been authenticated and graded by reputable services such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). 

Ensure that the coin comes with proper documentation and certification from these grading services.

The value of a coin is heavily influenced by its condition, known as its grade. Higher-grade coins (e.g., MS-65 or higher) are more expensive. Learn how to interpret coin grades and understand what they signify.

Look for signs of wear, scratches and other damage. Mint-condition coins or those with minimal wear are more valuable.

Familiarize yourself with current market prices for Hawaiian dollar coins. Use resources like the PCGS Price Guide or NGC Price Guide to get an idea of what specific coins are worth.

Learn about the history of Hawaiian dollar coins: their minting, circulation, demonetization, etc. Be aware of key dates and varieties that are particularly rare or valuable, e.g., the 1883 Hawaiian dollar gold coin.

Do not rush into purchasing a coin without doing proper research. Take your time to compare prices and evaluate different options. Determine your budget beforehand and stick to it to avoid overspending.

Hawaiian Treasures

Hawaiian dollar coins are what many collectors want. They are ready to pay large sums of money so that they have such coins.

What if you have exactly these ones? You can immediately identify them using the online coin identifier called Coin ID Scanner app: just take a photo of the coin, and the application will give you a numismatic description of it. Try it today and take advantage of other useful features of this service.