1883 P12.5C Hawaii, Silver, CAM PR(PCGS#810985)

The June 2010 Baltimore Auction

拍卖行

Bowers & Merena

批号

180

等级

PR63

价格

251,310

详细说明

1883 Hawaii Eighth Dollar. Medcalf-Russell 2CS-2. Proof-63 Cameo (PCGS). Secure Holder. The rarest denomination in the Kingdom of Hawaii silver coinage set of 1883, the Eighth Dollar (or 12 1/2 Cents) was originally planned as the lowest-denomination coin in this set. At the last minute, however, the denomination was abandoned in favor of the Ten Cents in order to make the silver coinage of the Kingdom conform to that of the United States. As such, no business strikes of this type were ever produced. In 1884, however, when additional silver proof sets of Kingdom of Hawaii coinage were struck in the United States Mint at Philadelphia, it was decided to include an example of the Eighth Dollar. Accordingly, 20 of these coins were struck for inclusion in these sets alongside one example each of the Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar and Dollar. These five-piece sets were all comprised of coins struck from 1883-dated dies. All of the sets were distributed to VIPs and contemporary collectors, and none of the coins were redeemed or otherwise destroyed in the Mint.<br />     With a mere 20 pieces struck, the proof-only 1883 Hawaii Eighth Dollar is the undisputed key denomination to the completion of a Kingdom of Hawaii silver coinage set. This is the first specimen that this cataloger can recall handling in many years, and it is the finest of only three Cameo-designated examples listed at PCGS. Field-to-device contrast is easily seen, this despite the presence of beautiful, iridescent toning in golden-apricot, reddish-copper and cobalt-blue colors. The reverse is particularly vivid, and much of the obverse actually presents as brilliant to the eye. A few wispy hairlines and other light contact marks are insignificant at the assigned grade level. Destined for inclusion in the finest numismatic cabinet or specialized collection of Hawaiiana.