Greater Atlanta Coin Show
     2016, our 29th year
       of monthly coin shows

  coin show and coin information for collectors and investors
 

Products showing Modern Commemorative Coins on the Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

Classic Coins - Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

The Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar Classic Commemorative Coin recognized the landing on the islands by James Cook and his crew of sailors and adventurers.  Though still a Territory in 1928, Congress approved the coin to help preserve the historical significance.

Characteristics - size, weight, metal content, value range
Obverse - picture, description, artist
Reverse - picture, description, artist
Commentary - coin notes, mintage information, historical comments, fun facts

On March 7, 1928, the first session of the 70th Congress approved an act which became Public Law 70-98.

 "An Act To authorize the coinage of silver 50-cent pieces in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands by Captain James Cook, and for the purpose of aiding in establishing a Captain James Cook memorial collection in the archives of the Territory of Hawaii." 

The law began, "That in commemoration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands by Captain James Cook, and for the purpose of aiding in establishing a Captain James Cook memorial collection in the archives of the Territory of Hawaii, there shall be coined in the mints of the United States silver 50-cent pieces to the number of ten thousand, such 50-cent pieces to be of a standard troy weight, composition, diameter, device, and design as shall be fixed by the director of the mint and approved by the Secretary of the Treasury, which said 50-cent pieces shall be legal tender in any payment of their face value.

"SEC. 2. That the coins herein authorized shall be issued only upon the request of the Cook Sesquicentennial Commission of Hawaii and in such numbers and at such times as they shall request upon payment by such commission to the United States of the par value of such coins."

The law concluded with the Proviso: "That the United States shall not be subject to the expense of making the necessary dies and other preparation of this coinage."

Characteristics - Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

Metal Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Diameter - millimeters: 30.6
Diameter - inches: 1.2
Weight - grams: 12.5
Weight - troy ounce: 0.401884332
Silver content weight - troy ounce: 0.3617
Mint Locations: Philadelphia
Years Minted: 1928

The coin's silver content alone makes it more valuable than its face value of $0.50.

But, the coin's age, its condition, and its desirability make it even more valuable as a collectible.

The coin's estimated value ranges from $1225 (low grade - XF) to $9500 (high grade - MS-66).

The low mintage of the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar along with its subject matter make this coin more valuable, but special characteristics on particular coins can also command a price outside the estimated value range. 

Obverse - Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

The obverse or front of the coin is based on design sketches submitted by Juliette May Fraser of Honolulu and includes a portrait of Capt. James Cook.

The coinage inscriptions say, United States of America, In God We Trust, Capt. James Cook, Discoverer of Hawaii, and Half Dollar.

Artist: Chester Beach

Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar commemorative coin obverse

Reverse - Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

The reverse or back of the coin displays a portrait of a native chief wearing a robe and holding a spear. He stands on the summit of a hill and extends his hand as if showing off the beautiful island. Behind him, a coconut tree and a Hawaiian village of grass huts show in the distance along Waikiki Beach at the foot of Diamond Head.

The coinage inscriptions read E Pluribus Unum and 1778-1923.

Artist: Chester Beach

Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar commemorative coin reverse

Commentary - Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

Though the stated mintage limit was "ten thousand," records show slightly more than 10,000 were minted including an additional 50 "sandblast proof presentation pieces."

The coin pictured above resides in an NGC holder and is graded as an MS-65. (NGC, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, provides coin grading and certification services.)

Versions of the coin also exist in higher grades such as an MS-66 grade.

The Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar sold for the highest price - at that time - of any commemorative coin at a rate of $2 per coin.

Beneath the coconut palms at Hamohamo, Waikiki, people watched a re-enactment of the arrival of Captain James Cook to the Hawaiian Islands 150 years ago in August  1928.

When Captain Cook landed on the islands in 1778, they were known as the Sandwich Islands.

Captain Cook traveled to the islands three separate times.

But, as noted in this article, the people watched the festivities occur at the same point where natives killed and cannibalized Captain Cook. (Newspaper opens in new window.)

If you review the history from other sites, they claim Captain Cook's bones were stripped and cleaned for special funerary purposes.

Today, Captain Cook, Hawaii is located in Hawaii County on the big island.

Nearby, parks preserve the culture and heritage of Hawaii, perhaps many of which were observed by Captain Cook and his crew. (nps.gov web site opens in new window)

Visit our GACS Numismatic Shoppe Hawaiian Sesquicentennial for a variety of useful items decorated with images of the classic commemorative silver half dollar coin.

 

Follow Us on Twitter @atlcoin

Join atlcoin on facebook

Marine Corps Commemorative Dollar on the Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

 

 

Ultra High Relief $20 Gold Tile Coaster on the Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

 

 

 

 

Stone Mountain Money Clip on Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

 

 

CoinMapsUSA.com Main Page

 

10% off

 

 

World's Columbian Cufflinks on Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe

 

 

Illinois Centennial Half Dollar Keychain on the Greater Atlanta Coin Show's Numismatic Shoppe