1879 12 1/2C Hawaii - T.Hobron 2/2 Stars, BN MS(PCGS#503522)

Spring 2022 U.S. Coins Auction

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

6515

等级

XF40BN

价格

47,759

详细说明

1879 Hawaii Plantation Token. Thomas H. Hobron. 12 1/2 Cents. Medcalf-Russell 2TE-9. 2/2 Stars. EF-40 (PCGS). Fully original and aesthetically pleasing EF quality for this scarcer variant of Hobron's tokens. Warmly and evenly toned, both sides are awash in medium autumn-brown patina. The strike is typically soft at the borders, where some virgin planchet roughness remains on the reverse, but all design elements are suitably bold, if not sharp for the type. Free of significant post-production blemishes, this piece is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced Hawaiiana cabinet. PCGS has mounted this token with the reverse up in the holder, which seems to be their standards treatment for the type. Denominated as 12-1/2 cents, or one Spanish real, and dated 1879, this token was issued for Thomas H. Hobron (T.H.H.) to pay those who worked to construct the railroad between the port of Kahalui on Maui and his sugar plantation in Wailuku. The first train, led by a locomotive named Queen Emma, ran on July 17, 1879. For those of a philatelic mindset, stamps were also issued for those using the railroad to transport mail, as Hobron was also postmaster of Kahalui. The fascinating tokens he issued are one of the most popular issues from the Hawaiian Islands and today are quite rare in all grades. Judging by our recent auction offerings, Medcalf-Russell 2TE-8 seems to be the most plentiful variety in numismatic hands. This is our first offering for 2TE-9 since 2012, and it could very well be another decade before another bidding opportunity comes along. PCGS# 503522. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.