Thick vs Thin => re-discovered error

I received 11 encapsulated medals/coins back from NGC. Of particular interest is the 1959 Hawaii Statehood SC50C Thick (aka Heraldic Art Medal). This so called 50 cent Thick variety has a mintage of 1,200 (while the Thin variety has a mintage of 4,600). The Thin was illegally made the same thickness as a standard silver half dollar.

I examined my newly arrived MS 68 Thick with my MS 68 Thin. I found that my Thick variety had a 180 degree rotated reverse.

I did a quick check with other Thick Hawaii Statehood SC50C within the NGC registry. I found one with the rotated reverse. I did also checked a few NGC graded Thick Hawaii Statehood SC50C on eBay and found a normal reverse.

After more internet searching, I found a SC50C website. At the website was a page that documented known SC50C errors. I found a listing for my Thick.

I now must pencil in and correct my copy of the Hawaiiana Numismatist's "bible" (Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog 2nd Edition, by Medcalf & Russell) with this missing error (for 2MS-5).

With this re-discovered find, the number of Hawaii Statehood Medal varieties has increased to 22.

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