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TheHawaiianaNumismatist

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Journal Entries posted by TheHawaiianaNumismatist

  1. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I would be really impressed if it's included in the book's update!
    I've initiated discussion (at a So Called Dollar (SCD) discussion website) about the inclusion of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Appreciation Medals in the update to the Hibler-Kappen book.
     
     
     
    No previous references or documentation has been available on this entire medal series. I performed research on the Eisenhower appreciation medals and documented my research findings in a book that was released back in February 2014.
     
     
     
    In a nutshell, this US Mint medal series has been hidden from the public eye for over five decades. It really is an interesting story on how it was kept hidden; however I'm glad that I was fortunate to uncover this mysterious medal series.
     
     
     
    There are a total of 17 medals in this White House initiated medal series. 10 of the 17 medals should be considered for SCD classification. The medals were struck to commemorate President Eisenhower's trip to: South America, Summit in Paris, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, Paris (another trip), and Portugal. Frank Gasparro created the designs.
     
     
     
    These medals were struck by the US Mint in Philadelphia ahead of his trips and have the distinction of being handed out by President Eisenhower himself or by his direction though his top military aide during the trip.
     
     
     
    The medals were also provided to individuals who were recognized by high ranking military officers or State Department officials in assisting with a specified leg of the President's visits.
     
     
     
    From the above stated trips, each medal was stuck in silver (same fineness, size, and weight as a Morgan or Peace silver dollar). The "Paris" medal was also struck in 18K gold with the same dies.
     
     
     
    That leaves 2 more medals to describe. The "June 1960" was a generic medal that was struck for President Eisenhower and replaced an initial order for "Alaska 1960", "Formosa 1960", and "Philippines 1960".
     
     
     
    The final medal is "Newport 1960" for Newport, Rhode Island, the location of President Eisenhower's Summer White House.
     
     
     
    I named this newly uncovered medal series, The Dwight D. Eisenhower Appreciation Medals. There are also 3 half-dollar size medals (used by President Eisenhower during 1958 - 1960) and 4 medallion size medals (used by President Eisenhower during the last few days of his 2nd term in office).
     
     
     
    One more thing, official mintage are known. As well as the number of medals destroyed just before President Eisenhower completed his 2nd term in office).
     
     
     
    Image below is an encapsulated/graded NGC specimen (plate medal in my book). Various reverse designs are also shown. DDE-XX numbers are the catalog numbers assigned from my book.

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  2. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    A Matching Pair of Top Pops!
    Only 11 Alaska-Hawaii uniface pairs were struck...
     
     
     
    This is the only pair encapsulated and graded by NGC.
     
     
     
    Both were originally part of the Harold E. Hibler collection (author of the reference book: So-Called Dollars by Harold E. Hibler and Charles V. Kappen). Sold as part of the Ostheimer Collection back in January 2011.
     
     
     
    The Alaska uniface is the plate coin in the Hibler-Kappen 2nd edition book.
     
     
     
    Both are great additions to my collection!

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  3. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Hopefully this should ERUPT with a search ...
    I've been reviewing my previous blog entries at my own website (not here to promote it) and would like to engage the members here to search or locate a possible non-existent So Called 50 Cent (SC50C) variety.
     
     
     
    Back in March 2013, I documented the existence of a low volcano and high volcano variety for the 1959 Silver SC50C Hawaii Statehood Heraldic Art Medal at my website.
     
     
     
    I'm in search of a specimen to disprove a theory. I'm looking for a low volcano thick planchet specimen.
     
     
     
    My theory is:
     
     
     
    1. The low volcano die was used first on thin silver planchets.
     
     
     
    The gold version of this medal has the low volcano die (indicates it was struck before the required US government change).
     
     
     
    2. The high volcano die was later used on thin silver planchets.
     
     
     
    The US government required a change to a thick silver planchet since the thickness was the same as the US half dollar.
     
     
     
    3. The high volcano die was then used on thick silver planchets.
     
     
     
    4. There should NOT be a low volcano die on thick silver planchets.
     
     
     
    To disprove this theory I must locate a low volcano thick silver planchet specimen (which should not exist).
     
     
     
    The bottom Image shows how to detect the two varieties.
     
     
     
    The upper images from right to show the progression of the die usage from thin to thick planchets.
     
     
     
    Anyone has or seen a thick low volcano?

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  4. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Medal with a Presidential provenance...
    Updated 06/28/2014
    The Kennedy Appreciation Medal was struck in 1962. Only 300 were minted at the US Mint in Philadelphia. The medal was first used in 1963 during Kennedy's trip to Ireland.
    I am still performing research on the Kennedy appreciation medal. If you have any original source information (US Mint or White House) or good leads, I would greatly appreciate it.
    To the best of my knowledge, only one catalog reference (K-62-1) is made (The Medallic Portraits of John F. Kennedy, by Edward C. Rochette, 1966) to the medal. Mr. Edward C. Rochette is a former Executive Director and ANA Past President. Mr. Rochette has written numerous numismatic books. His contribution to numismatics is unquestionable.
    The Medallic Portraits of John F. Kennedy provides a wealth of information about the Kennedy numismatic issues (domestic and foreign) up to the year of publication (1966).
    A point that needs to made about the book. Three individuals with ties to the US Mint were acknowledged as contributors on page 8. These names when associated with the book corroborates the correctness of the US Mint products that are listed. The three names listed on page 8 are Miss Eva Adams (director of US Mint), Gilroy Roberts (9th chief engraver US Mint whose term ended in 1964), and Frank Gasparro (10th chief engraver US Mint).
    The image is of an original medal recently added to my "Presidential with appreciation medal collection". This is not a re-strike. The concept of the presidential "with appreciation medal" is that at the discretion of the President, he presents the medal to an individual in thankful recognition.
    It is my opinion that the reserve design of the President Kennedy appreciation medal was used as the basis for developing the reverse of the Kennedy Half-Dollar.
    Previously written historical information lays claim that the John F. Kennedy presidential series medal (US Mint Inauguration medal for President Kennedy) was the basis for both the obverse and reverse designs. I see the connection with the obverse design; however, the reverse design is too small and the intricate details are not simply there.
    The obverse design is by Frank Gasparro. On the President's right shoulder is the name of the designer "F. GASPARRO"
    The intricate details of the reverse design on the Kennedy appreciation medal can be clearly seen on the Kennedy Half-Dollar. The Kennedy appreciation medal was also designed and struck before President Kennedy's assassination.
    There is one piece of information that backs my belief. The reverse of the Kennedy appreciation medal is by Frank Gasparro. His" FG" initials are also placed in similar locations on both the appreciation medal and the half-dollar coin.
    The Presidential Appreciation Medal Series is not a well-documented series. It is both challenging and rewarding. The challenge is to locate the source information and document it well. The reward is being the first to uncover new information and sharing it. Besides, these medals are a part of US history, not simply a coin or medal to commemorate an event or person. These medals was actually created for exclusive use by the President.
    Lastly, K-62-1a is uniface specimen (of only the reverse side struck) that is part of the Smithsonian collection.
    Note: If you read my previous journal entries, I uncovered the Eisenhower Appreciation medal series and documented all 17 medals. I still have yet to provide NGC or PCGS a reference copy and will do so shortly. The book is available on both amazon.com and createspace.com (search the title: The Dwight D. Eisenhower Appreciation Medals).

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  5. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Undocumented variety in So-Called Dollars by Hibler and Kappen.
    It has been a while since I posted a journal entry.
    I finally purchased a HK-723 "star without rays" variety. This variety is unlisted in So-Called Dollars by Hibler and Kappen.
    However, its listed in Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog. 2M-393 is the "star without rays" variety and 2M-394 is the "star with rays".
    The "with rays" and "without rays" are not minor varieties. There is one more difference.
    The "star with rays" weighs 29 grams. The "star without rays" weighs 23 grams. This indicates different planchets were used. This weight/planchet anomaly is also described in Medcalf & Russell.
    I added my "without rays" specimen to my custom set (Undated Hawaii So Called Dollar Type Set).
    https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=12173
    short url is http://goo.gl/zZMWd8
    I also contacted Hibler and Kappen urging its listing as a new listing/discovery for their book.
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  6. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Medals with Presidential provenance...
    I finished writing my first numismatic book (the name of the book is the same as the title of this journal entry). The book is based on documents from the White House, US Treasury Department, and US Mint in Philadelphia. These documents were part of a working file belonging to a top military aide on President Eisenhower's White House Staff. The file was kept by the military aide. After his death, all his papers was passed to his son. After the son passed, all papers were turned over to the Dwight D. Eisenhower (D.D.E.) Presidential Library. In 2011, all papers belonging to the military aide completed processing into the library. In 2013, I obtained a copy of the file from the Presidential library. This means that the information presented here is relatively new to collectors. What information?
    Under direction from the White House, 17 different medals were stuck by the US Mint in Philadelphia for use by President Eisenhower. Both Gilroy Roberts and Frank Gasparro had designed the medals. To my knowledge, my book is the first to define/document the D.D.E. 17 medal series.
    President Eisenhower presented these medals to deserving individuals in thankful recognition for service to our nation, the White House, or the Presidency. This Presidential provenance limits availability to collectors as these medals are treated as presidential heirlooms by the original recipients' families. Also, several of the medals were presented to foreign nationals during Eisenhower's multi-nation trips.
    There are three classes of the medals: US Half-Dollar Size, US Silver Dollar size, and Inaugural Medal size. I have cataloged the 17 medals as DDE-01 through DDE-017. A total of 9,858 medals were struck at the US Mint in Philadelphia. 1,451 medals were destroyed before the end of President Eisenhower's 2nd term in office. 160 medals are part of the D.D.E. Presidential Library. A USSR, Philippines, Formosa, and Alaska medals were originally ordered and later cancelled.
    DDE-02 is the rarest US half-dollar size medal with a population of 436. DDE-08 is the 5th rarest of the 10 US Silver Dollar size medals, with a remaining population of 267. I also included a few interesting memos. (Yes, I did redact the mintage figures.)
    Look for the book and use the information to locate these medals with Presidential provenance.

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  7. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Handed out by President Eisenhower himself!
    I started research about the Eisenhower appreciation medals and would like to share current findings from correspondences between the White House, US Treasury Department, and the US Mint in Philadelphia.
    Printed numismatic documentation of this medal and medal series is sparse.
    I would appreciate any information/images that can be shared with me in completing my research.
    The significance of this medal are:
    1. It was ordered by the White House and executed by the US Treasury department.
    2. It was struck at the US Mint in Philadelphia.
    3. Frank Gasparro provided drawings of the design.
    4. First US Mint product to bear the State of Hawaii as a design element.
    5. This is 1 of 14 silver dollar size medal ordered by the White House in 1960.
    The NGC coin in the picture is in my personal collection.
    I call it "The Hawaiian Ike". Also "One of the Original Ikes".
    Research is for either a booklet, pamphlet, or article for publication.
    I started a catalog listing of this particular medal series. Below is the "Hawaiian Ike":
    DDE-T3-06 1960 US Silver Dollar Size
    Obverse: Two flaming torches with 13 star border with text "WITH APPRECIATION FROM" and Dwight D. Eisenhower (facsimile signature)
    Reverse: Text centered "HAWAII JUNE 1960" with border that represents compass points. Medium sized star on each side of JUNE.

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  8. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Book writing is fun...
    I've been busy (up coming engineering presentations and numismatic book writing project) to write any journal entries at this website.
    I took on a side project to write a book called The Hawaiiana Numismatist. For those who don't know, the current Hawaiian numismatic reference book (I don't want to mention the name), have been perpetuating a string of errors and inaccuracies.
    What motivated me in this action is that NGC replied to an inquiry I made about a medal struck in an unlisted medal composition. Since its not listed in the Hawaiiana reference book, no NGC grading/encapsulation is possible.
    I investigated this mater and found that the Hawaiian reference book was incorrect in leaving it out, as its listed in another guidebook (that is not used by NGC).
    Just to keep things current I got my Hawaii 4-9 error back from NCS and I did a write-up at my new blog (related to the book writing effort)...
    http://thehawaiiananumismatist.com/2013/03/03/hawaii-the-49th-state-2m-391-aka-hk-722b-so-called-dollar/

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  9. TheHawaiianaNumismatist

    Boom

    By TheHawaiianaNumismatist,

    The Resolution
    The intent of my rant was to bring to light issues that should not be repeated to anyone in the NGC customer base. Notice the term I used was NGC customer base as it affects all of you...
    I advocated the following during my phone conversation with NGC and these items are to be followed up on. Again, this is what I advocated from my talking points written on my writing pad...
     
    1. To prevent misidentified ineligibility: Create a NCS/NGC policy for collaborating on eligibility/ineligibility determination. Policy should be documented and posted online.
    2. Handling of misidentified ineligibility (item was returned to submitter): Create shipping policy (state who pays); Create turnaround policy (state how long and if expedite service will /will not occur), and Create re-submittal policy (state the process and the steps to be taken). Policies should be documented, posted online, and referenced in customer service inquiry section.
    3. To prevent incorrect labeling: Create an expedite resolution policy (for customer service) for a submitter found error on the Collector Order Tracking webpage. Policy should be documented and posted online. Collectors should be made aware to re-examine online invoice and review for correctness.
    4. Handling of incorrect labeling (item was returned to submitter): Create shipping policy (state who pays); Create a turnaround policy (state how long and if expedite service/will not occur), and Create a re-submittal policy (state the process and the steps to be taken). Policies should be documented, posted online, and referenced in customer service inquiry section.
    My rant has stopped ...

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  10. TheHawaiianaNumismatist

    Boom

    By TheHawaiianaNumismatist,

    The Resolution
    The intent of my rant was to bring to light issues that should not be repeated to anyone in the NGC customer base. Notice the term I used was NGC customer base as it affects all of you...
    I advocated the following during my phone conversation with NGC and these items are to be followed up on. Again, this is what I advocated from my talking points on my writing pad...
     
    1. To prevent misidentified ineligibility: Create a NCS/NGC policy for collaborating on eligibility/ineligibility determination. Policy should be documented and posted online.
    2. Handling of misidentified ineligibility (item was returned to submitter): Create shipping policy (state who pays); Create turnaround policy (state how long and if expedite service will /will not occur), and Create re-submittal policy (state the process and the steps to be taken). Policies should be documented, posted online, and referenced in customer service inquiry section.
    3. To prevent incorrect labeling: Create an expedite resolution policy (for customer service) for a submitter found error on the Collector Order Tracking webpage. Policy should be documented and posted online. Collectors should be made aware to re-examine online invoice and review for correctness.
    4. Handling of incorrect labeling (item was returned to submitter): Create shipping policy (state who pays); Create a turnaround policy (state how long and if expedite service/will not occur), and Create a re-submittal policy (state the process and the steps to be taken). Policies should be documented, posted online, and referenced in customer service inquiry section.

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  11. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I was observing the hula dancer then ...WAM BAM
    As I was checking my hoard of Hawaii Statehood SC50C (aka 2MS-4 and 2MS-5, as defined in the NGC sanctioned and approved referenced book, Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog) I made a discovery.
    I was performing a NGC 68 to NGC 68 comparison to improve my grading ability (I was also comparing my NGC 66 and 67).
    WAM BAM, it hit me. I saw a shifting volcano.
    As the pictures indicates. Focus on the hula dancer's head. Then look at the volcano placement. Her forehead matches the original die volcano. Her chin matches the reworked die volcano. Notice the change in the slope's angle.
    When focusing on the right sided volcano on the original die, the slope's angle is steep. On the reworked die, the slope's angle becomes less steep and the volcano has gained structure.
    There are other traits of this reworked die such as less detail in the clouds and the waves. The waves have taken a clumpy position.
    In the picture, the left is the original die.
    I posted this find at another social media site first...

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  13. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Only 30 of these fully struck uniface medals are documented to have been struck
    Notice the NII HAU spelling error...
    Notice the bright bronze surface (oxidized in later stage of production)...
    Notice the excessive outward flow of medal (trimmed in later stage of production)...

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  15. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Surfs up dudes/dudettes...
    The book Hawaiian Money: Standard Catalog "Second Edition" by Medcalf and Russell is the so-called "bible" for Hawaii numismatics. However, as a generalized catalog there numerous examples in which specific details are simply missing. This is a source of intrigue for me (filling in the holes in numismatic references).
    In this journal entry are the results of researching medal 2M-225 (page 115 of Hawaiian Money) also known as the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku -- Father of Modern Surfing. Mintage was not listed in Hawaiian Money (weight is 1 oz., diameter is 39 mm, and metal is 0.999 silver). Only an obverse image is provided.
    I can assure you that I have not handled this particular numismatic item with my own hands, but have found some most interesting information (including additional pictures). I have three specimens in route to me for further study.
    My in progress research results (new information is identified and is being documented here for the first time for the numismatic community):
    (NEW) 2M-225 limited edition design was commissioned by The American Surfing Organization.
    (NEW) 2M-225 was struck in 1976.
    (NEW) 2M-225 mintage is 1,596.
    (NEW) 2M-225 was struck in a sterling silver proof finish.
    (NEW) Striking of the proof sterling silver specimens required approval by the American Surfing Organization.
    (NEW) 2M-225 can be located in the 1976 Franklin Mint Special Commemorative Issue Medal set.
    (NEW) 2M-225 is SCI 76-30 in the 1976 Franklin Mint Special Commemorative Issue Medal set.
    (NEW) 2M-225a (my addition to Hawaiian Money) is a newly discovered and unlisted variety in proof bronze (unlisted variety in Hawaiian Money).
    (NEW) 2M-225a proof bronze mintage is unknown (however, it is a smaller mintage than the sterling silver proof).
    (NEW) 2M-225b (my addition to Hawaiian Money) is a newly discovered and unlisted variety in uncirculated bronze.
    (NEW) 2M-225b uncirculated bronze mintage is unknown.
    Here is the current back story of 2M-225, 2M-225a, and 2M-225b:
    The American Surfing Organization commissioned the Franklin Mint to create the medal. Franklin Mint struck and provided the completed medals (uncirculated bronze). Franklin Mint obtained approval from the American Surfing Organization to utilize the design for the 1976 Special Commemorative Issues Medals set struck in proof sterling silver. The Franklin Mint also struck a limited number in proof bronze later in the year.
    The 2M-225 is eligible to be NGC encapsulated and graded since it is listed in the Hawaiian Money reference.
    Wait...a Franklin Mint medal eligible for NGC encapsulation and grading? Yes...
    2M-225a and 2M-225b are both unlisted in the Hawaiian Money book.
    The question put forth to NGC is the eligibility of newly discovered medals of the same design but struck in a different metal and finishes ...

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  16. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Day 85 and counting ...
    My previous update on this topic was made on day 72 (read my earlier journal entry titled: "Patience is a good thing").
    Another 13 days have since passed.
    Once again, the saga of my three raw medals on the path to "certificationhood" continues.
    I believed (and hoped) that this saga would have ended today. I picked up my registered mail (from NGC) at the US Post Office and inspected its contents.
    The three medals (along with twelve others) made the trip back home safely. Each was graded and encapsulated. Certification was achieved. The grading outcome was acceptable and near my expected grade.
    After inspecting the original three medals (from the original "certificationhood" saga), I became destitute. To my disbelief a very simple mistake was made on the label. I'm not sure how it happened, but it is there. A simple typographical error.
    Unfortunately, each of the three original medals were mislabeled with the wrong year. Yes, the year. I checked my original invoice and the year was correctly provided. The year on the label is a mistake and I was not the source of this mistake. (My finger is being pointed and it's not in my direction.)
    The three original medals were to populate my Pearl Harbor medal collection. If you know your American history, one would know that Pearl Harbor was attacked in the year 1941 and not 1949. The label has a year of 1949.
    I can understand the mistake, but it you look at your computer keyboard. There are 7 keys between the number 1 and the number 9.
    To add insult to injury, three other medals (of the same type) also bear the incorrect year of 1949.
    I can say one positive thing. At least there is consistency with the error and the other nine medal labels are not affected by a mild form of numerical dyslexia.
    I have now a total of six mislabeled NGC graded and encapsulated medals.
    I have contacted NGC and demanded corrective action to resolve this problem.
    Day 85 and counting...or was that 58 (just kidding)
    Below is an image of the incorrect label.

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  17. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Hula girl provides a visual dance that dramatizes or portrays words ... the jet provides travel...
    The medal of interest in this journal entry is called the Hawaiian Eye Fogal.
    Not much information is documented on the Hawaiian Eye Fogal medals, Medcalf & Russell 2M-128 (silver-nickel) and 2M-129 (antique bronze). These medals are unique in that it houses a miniature eye-piece that functions as a magnifying glass.
    Based on physical inspection of specimens I acquired, weight is 26 grams, diameter is 38 mm, and thickness is 3mm.
    The medal was invented and patented by Dr. St. Barth Alaska (patent 214946). There is also a small diameter hole to allow a string or chain to run through it so that it may be worn as a pendant.
    It can be assumed that the wearer would use the medal to enhance the vision of his/her eye. An item of note is that the eye-piece fits into place by inserting it from the reverse side. I believe this fitted mechanism (small diameter obverse/large diameter reverse that holds the eye-piece) is the basis for the patent.
    In discussing the medal with the coin dealer (who I purchased it from), it can be said that Dr. Alaska was an optometrist. The coin dealer purchased the medals from his great grandson.
    It is assumed that the medal is tied to the television series Hawaiian Eye (1959 - 1963). However, no televisions trade mark or other related show markings are exhibited on the medal. Even the font used on the medal to spell Hawaiian Eye does not match the font used on material used to promote the television show. Also, the symbolic Hawaiian Idol used to identify with the show is missing on the medal.
    An internet search was performed and I can surmise the Hawaiian Eye medal. It's an advertising piece for tourism and is highly unlikely related to the television series. There is also a jet and woman in Hawaiian attire (hula dancer outfit) on the reverse to promote travel to Hawaii.
    To give substance to my theory, I located comparable medal also with Dr. Alaska's name and patent number on it. It is also used to promote tourism for the country of Mexico. The placement of the eye-piece and pedant hole is in a similar location. What is interesting is that the Mexican pieces I have seen had the eye-piece removed or had fallen out (and in some cases replaced with a two-sided picture). The design also has a jet and a woman dressed in Mexican attire (design elements also in the Hawaiian Eye medals).
    These Hawaiian Eye medals are eligible for NGC grading and encapsulation as they are listed in the Medcalf & Russell reference book.
    Images are provide to compare the Hawaiian Eye Fogal medal and the Viva Mexico Ojo Focal medal.
    The image of the hula dancer is Ronnie Nanea Etsuko Oda ...For those not familar with the different types of hula she can be seen dancing at
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/axrxb9z
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/aqywu8x

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  18. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I don't want to regurgitate so I must create!
    I use the heading "Numismatic Detective" with the condition that what I document is new information that I created, derived or is missing in numismatic reference books or periodicals. I try not to "regurgitate" all my information that was previously documented by other numismatic sources. Why?
    I was once given an example by a professor. Three college students were given a blank piece of paper and told to take notes during the guest lecture. The first student (undergraduate) handed in the paper. It was simply regurgitation of information from the speaker. The second student (graduate student) handed in the paper. It was reasoning and explaining of the presented information. The third student (doctorate student) handed in the paper. It was questioning the validity of information and it provided new information above and beyond was the guest lecture had presented.
    Hmmmm... regurgitated, explained and new ...Three perspectives...Three writing styles....
    The reason for this journal entry is twofold:
    1. I updated my custom set description with "New" information that will enlighten all readers. The intent is to make this set a numismatic resource, not simply a collection of numismatic items.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=12054
    2. News that after 75 days, two Mint State specimens for this custom set have been encapsulated graded and on their return trip to their newly prepared upgrade position within the custom set.
    To my knowledge, the image below is the first NGC mint state example for the 1941-Dated Remember Pearl Harbor medal.

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  19. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Day 72 and counting...
    I'm not complaining or wish any ill will on anyone on the NCS and NGC staff...
    On November 8, 2012 NCS received 4 medals on invoice 5413920.
    Medals were conserved and shipped to NGC.
    On December 5, 2012, NGC declared the medals as ineligible type.
    An email was sent to NGC asking for the reason why the ineligible status was assigned.
    December 10, 2012, NGC replied indicated it was an error for declaring the items as ineligible. I was told that the medals were shipped back to me and I must resubmit when received.
    I received the medals from NGC.
    To save on shipping costs. I combine the returned medals with additional medals on a new invoice. (I also requested reimbursement for the original shipping cost for the mix-up).
    On December 26, 2012 the medals were received by NGC.
    On January 23, 2013 the status of invoice 2782013 was updated to Scheduled for Grading.
    A perspective: Original submittal was sent prior to 2012 Election Day (November 6, 2012). 2013 Inauguration Day (January 21, 2013) has come and passed. I predicting that I will have my medals back someday...Groundhog Day? Super Bowl Sunday? Mardi Gras? Valentine's Day? Or maybe President's Day?
    Day 72 and counting...

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  20. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Packed up my next 5 item submittal. Bumps up my total to 16 items in the queue at NCS/NGC.
    I was filling out my NCS submittal form and reviewing both the Medcalf & Russell and Hibler & Kappen reference books to correctly describe/identify each coin entered on the form.
    Upon reading the HK-723 description I became curious. The words "...except obvious die variety." was an invitation to compare my HK-722 against my HK-723.
    I looked at each medal individually with my loupe. I then did a spot comparisons between each looking for differences. Then they popped out at me.
    Thank you Hibler & Kappen for the conservative nondescript description. Picture comparison is below.
    I also rechecked the NGC census and the current population for the HK-722A and HK-722B. The difference is the bright bronze vs antiqued bronze finish of the medal.
    HK-722A population is 1. HK-722B is not even listed (I take it to mean 0 population). Also, HK-722 (in nickel-silver) has a population of 1.
    I listed the medal as a HK-722B on the form. Hopefully, NGC will be on my side on the antiqued bronze finish.

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  21. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    NGC census reflects a total population of 2 for the entire coin series...
    I've been looking hard and long to acquire this coin...
    I purchased a raw Undated Hawaii HK-722A so called dollar.
    She looks a bit scruffy, but hopefully NCS can work their eye appeal miracle for me.
    Hibler & Kappenan assigned a R-6 Fuld rarity scale to this coin. Between 21 - 75 specimens are possibly known to be extant.
    My Undated Hawaii So Called Dollar Type set is now complete. I'm planning to ship this coin and my HK-723 to NGC via NCS.
    My last journal entry pointed out the conflicting Medcalf & Russell designation and Hibler & Kappenan designation. I was astute enough to ignore the Medcalf & Russell listed price/designation (reason for the low number of bidders and resulting low winning bid). This coin was only listed with its Medcalf & Russell designation (and identified as a medal). As a result, this coin was unseen by the larger crowd of so called dollar collectors.
    This so called dollar is unique in that the obverse text names Hawaii as the 49th state (the coin designer really had a bad sense of timing, was politically inept or was simply guessing).
    The Undated Hawaii so called dollars types can be seen at
    http://www.so-calleddollars.com/Events/Hawaii.html
    Fuld rating can be seen in a sample copy of HK's book on google (bottom of page 137 and page 8 for the Fuld rating breakdown)
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/ab4e9dm
    NGC listind of HK-722A
    http://www.ngccoin.com/NGCCoinExplorer/CoinDetail.aspx?CoinID=852076

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  22. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Two NGC designations (medal and coin)!
    As I was putting away my recent arrivals from NGC, I re-examined my "UNDATED 2M-329 HAWAII ALOHA CARNIVAL HAWAII ISLAND SEAL" in VF 25 (pictured below). Then it occurred to me to check the NGC census....
    Then a new issue presented itself.
    The UNDATED 2M-329 HAWAII ALOHA CARNIVAL HAWAII ISLAND SEAL and UNDATED HI HK-721 HONOLULU CARNIVAL DOLLAR SC$1 (as listed in the NGC Census) are the exact same coin from different collector perspectives. The first is from the Hawaii medal collector perspective. And the latter is from the so called dollar collector perspective.
    That is, the 2M-329 uses the Medcalf & Russell book for its design and attribute designation. While the HK-721 uses the Hibler & Kappen book for its design and attribute designation. One is a medal and the other is a so called dollar. And yet they are the same numismatic item!
    This dual identity dilemma skews the census population for the HK-721, by not including the 2M-329 count (2M-329 is not listed in the NGC census).

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  23. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    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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  24. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    1959 Official Alaska Statehood Medal Progression Set
    I have not found any instance where a similar progression set was listed at a major auction house.
    There is one instance where "completed" medals (in different finishes and coloration) were auction listed.
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/bf8b9ol
    There is one instance where a single "trail strike" was auction listed.
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/a9ell2m
    This set is definitely housed in an archival "plaque" (term used on the sister set...1959 Official Hawaii Statehood Medal Progression Set).
    On the bottom of the Alaska plaque, its linen finishing tape has lost its adhesiveness and the archival layers can be seen. In addition, the plaques are sealed in a similar manner as conservation framing.
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/a64jmt9
    The rarity of this Alaska set is still unknown.
     
    The set is shown in the picture below. As previously described in Part 2, the workmanship, material and quality in both the Alaska and Hawaii sets are the same.

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  25. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    1959 Official Hawaii Statehood Medal Progression Set and a Part 3 teaser...
    I have only found two instances where a similar progression set was listed at a major auction house (Ira & Larry Goldberg Auctioneers May 2006 and Stack's September 2006).
    MedalBlog (A Worldpress blog) by D. Wayne Johnson (corporate historian and senior consultant for the Medallic Art Company and was director of research with Medallic Art Company from January 1966 until December 1976) answered a question by a reader who has a progression set (in addition to plaster castings of the obverse and reverse).
    At the 2012 ANA Money Show, 1st place in Class 1 (History and Politics) had a display exhibit that was titled, "The Official 1959 Hawaii Statehood Medals -- Gold, Silver and Copper, Plus Corresponding Five Piece Die Process Set."
    From this I can conclude that from the 30 documented progression sets, 5 have somewhat been accounted for.
    This 1st place display winner is very similar to my custom set (The Official Hawaii Statehood Medals). However, the 1959 Official Hawaii Statehood Medals were technically Gold, Sterling Silver and Bronze and consisted of six variations based on metal, Niihau spelling (error vs. non-error) and lack of a serial number on the sterling silver medal.
    My updated custom set (with the progression set added).
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/ckhc5yx
    I have concluded that this 1959 Official Hawaii Statehood Medal progression set was created by Medallic Art Company for the medal's national distributor, The Coin and Currency Institute Inc. of New York and California.
    Why this conclusion?
    I have also acquired another excellent find.... A 1959 Official Alaska Statehood Medal progression set!!!
    It has the exact dimensions, workmanship, color scheme, letter typeset, material, etc...However, this set consists of 7 stages (9 total medals).
    I have not found any auction listing or reference to this Alaska set at all. I'm hoping it to be a unique progression set (investigation still in progress).
    What I have found is an ad in the May 1960 issue of the Numismatist in which The Coin and Currency Institute Inc. of New York and California is promoting the Hawaii and Alaska Statehood Medals simultaneously. Thereby, it is feasible that both progression sets were used to promote the medals for sale at the same location.
    Stay tune for Part 3....

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