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
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
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.
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