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TheHawaiianaNumismatist

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Journal Entries posted by TheHawaiianaNumismatist

  1. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    It really has been a busy week for me ...
    On Monday I was lead in setting up a Asian Pacific American Heritage month celebration display. In the previous years, I displayed a few of my Hawaii medals and coins. A very interesting way of introducing numismatics to new collectors. Later in the day I attended a engineering conference tutorial.
    On Tuesday I attended an engineering conference. Later that day I filed a provisional patent (my first ever) to the US Patent office.
     
    On Wednesday I attended an engineering conference. Later in the day I presented my engineering paper at a scheduled conference sessions.
    On Thursday I was a so-called sushi chef preparing various types of sushi during the lunch hour at my place of employment. I did work a full workday.
    On Friday I had a regular workday. I was out bid on a Heritage Auction lot that I need to complete my Hawaii Statehood collection. I'm not sure if I should exceed my limit of $10,000 for a gold Hawaii Statehood medal (one of only 58 minted). Next bid is $12,000 (ugh)...
    On Saturday I was preparing for my 2012 NAPEX (Stamp Show exhibit). http://www.napex.org/exhibits.htm I'm scheduled to be exhibit #206. A very fun way to write, share and compete.
    On Sunday I acquired my latest medal (Warrior Dash finishers medal). Unfortunately, I was bogged down in a crowd and did not break the top ten as I did last year. Or within the top 20 in the year before. Both for my age group.
    I also added my newly acquired 1933 Honolulu Clearing House note to the NOTE registry (i.e. PMG Collector Society)(NGC Collector Society sister site) http://notes.www.collectors-society.com/registry/notes/UserNoteDetail.aspx?UserNoteID=7632&UserCollectionID=461
    Hopefully, I can relax this coming week and enjoy the Memorial Day weekend...

  2. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    An excellent token catalog website to contribute, learn from or use as reference ...
    I was web surfing a few weeks ago for online Hawaii token references and found a token catalog website. I booked marked the website for future exploration. Tokens at the website are listed by state. The website also lists tokens by country.
    How I used it for a reference....In the September 2012 issue of The Numismatist, page 42, article on Hawaii's Railroad Tokens, has a photograph on 1 of 3 known examples of the Kahului Railroad Co. 25c token. The website displays 3 other values in MS condition...
    Main website
    http://tokencatalog.com/index.php
    tiny url to 15c token
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/9hbkx5r
    tiny url to 20c token
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/9auhzw5
    tiny url to 35c token
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/924gesg
    Kahului Railroad Co. Kalakaua blueprint below was issued in conjunction with the book, Sugar Trains Pictorial, and hangs framed in my home office.

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  3. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Plate coins are superb examples of the coin type
    Coins of rarity are photographed and were included in the plates of a book as a reference. Hence the term "plate coin". Today, coin photographs are still used in numismatic references (books periodicals, websites, etc...).
    I was pleasantly surprised to make the visual connection between a former coin of mine (Kingdom of Hawaii quarter dollar NGC MS66). I sold it for a tidy profit. The photograph used by NGC at its NGC Coin Explorer for the Hawaii coin series (specifically, the Kingdom of Hawaii) is one in the same used on the Photo Proof. I had two Photo Proofs made and kept one.
    Here is the link...at the bottom of this journal entry is Photo Proof.
    http://www.ngccoin.com/NGCCoinExplorer/SubCategory.aspx?SubCatID=82&PopSubCat=Hawaii
     
    Look at King Kalakaua eyes, mint luster, toning, nicks, etc...each match in position.
    If I knew NGC was going to use it as a plate coin ... I might have kept it.....

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  4. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Happy 53rd Statehood Anniversary (August 21, 1959) Hawaii!
    Another investigation....
    The Numismatist, May 1960 provides an ad with the details on the initial limited sterling striking of 2,500 serially numbered high relief Hawaii Statehood medals.
    There are two varieties documented (Medcalf & Russell) and is based on the spelling of the island of Niihau on the obverse. Variety 2MS-2a was struck first with the NII HAU spelling error (space between the I and H). Variety 2MS-2 was struck later with the correct spelling of NIIHAU.
    My curiosity got the best from me to find out definitive number of silver medals with the NII HAU spelling error.
    A Stack's 1998 auction catalog indicated that serial number 1022 with the error was sold. Sold at the same auction was serial number 1023 with the error.
    A Heritage 2007 auction catalog indicated that serial number 1266 was sold, but did not identify the variety.
    In 2010, I acquired serial number 1266 and identified it as a non-error variety. Currently, serial number 1266 has been identified as the lowest serial number without the error.
    (If you have information about the variety for serial number 1024 through 1265, as it will be beneficial to Hawaii numismatic collectors).
    My additional research indicates the following:
    a) 2,500 silver medals was stuck (first striking serial number 1 through 2500, correct spelling made at serial number 1266)
    b) 500 silver medals was stuck due to complaints from Hawaii citizens (second striking serial number 2501 through 3000)
    c) 154 silver medals was struck for the lieutenant governor as political gifts (third striking without serial number)
    I posted the following at my GWU website (back in December 2011)...
    "It can be estimated, with high probability, that no less than 1,265 of the 2MS-2a variety (with the island of Niihau spelling error) of the Official Hawaii Statehood medal in sterling silver were minted."
    ~D.A. Gomez, December 19, 2011
    This research was also posted on wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Statehood_010a.jpg
    (wikipedia plate coin is serial number 33 reverse, used on the Seal of Hawaii wiki page)
    References
    http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/us-medals-hawaii-statehood-medal,-1959-by-spe-44-p-jaqmji1l6q
    http://www.artfact.com/auction-lot/us-medals-hawaii-statehood-medal,-1959-a-seco-43-p-k2e4rhtjhw
    http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n39a16.html
    http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n40a13.html

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  5. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    HK-721 features an Olympic gold medalist
    Information on the so called dollar HK-721 is bear to locate. Identified as the "Honolulu (Aloha) Carnival Dollar" and given an R-5 rarity (estimated that less than 200 known). Date of mintage is unknown.
    A good starting point was researching the "Mid-Pacific Carnival" (MPC). I found posters and post cards that indicated the carnival series lasted from 1910 through 1917. My focal point was the year 1914 as the HK-721 "surf rider" bears the resemblance of the poster's surf rider. Poster names the surf rider as Duke Kahanamoku.
    In 1912, Duke Kahanamoku broke the 200m freestyle in his Olympic trial heat. He went on to win the gold in 100 m freestyle and silver in the 4x200 relay team. Duke was also making surfing popular around the world.
    One can make the case that Duke Kahanamoku is the surf rider on HK-721. And that HK-721 was made available at the 1914 MPC.
    I scanned the archived Hawaii newspapers from 1910 through 1917, period when the carnival series was held. As a reference point in history, Hawaii became a US territory in 1900 and WW1 lasted from 1914 -- 1918.
    The Hawaii newspapers I reviewed indicate the MPC was led by a director general. Many of the articles reflect poster selection by the MPC committee. The primary means of advertising MPC was by poster and postcards. The 1914 MPC committee was adamant that only territorial entries were to be accepted. Many of these original advertisements command a premium today.
    The 1915 MPC committee agreed to steer away in using a surf rider figure in its 1915 MPC poster and is reflected in its selection.
    Review of the MPC committee work in the newspaper archive reflects no mention of a coin, token or medal to be issued in conjunction with the MPC. This indicates that HK-721 was an unofficial souvenir.
    After reviewing a few 1914 advertisements I made discovery. Wall & Dougherty, a design firm that makes: "Medals, Plaques, Buttons, Badges, Emblems, and Prize Cups". As the ad states, "Are especially well equipped for making original designs". The advertisement itself does not draw any conclusion. However, the director general of the 1914 MPC was James Donahue Dougherty. He was also a partner in the firm Walls & Dougherty. Did Dougherty and his partner create and sold HK-721? The investigation continues on this possibility.
    In summary, it is possible that HK-721:
    1) Was minted in late 1913 or early 1914 (MPC is held each February)
    2) Minted by Wall & Dougherty as a 1914 unofficial MPC souvenir
    The investigation continues....

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  6. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Here come my Japanese Zeros!
    There still is a lack of correct information about the "Remember Pearl Harbor" coins. These coins: 2M-379 (Copper); 2M-380 (Copper "Pat. Pending"); 2M-381 (Nickel) and 2M-382 (Sterling Silver), as identified in the Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog, 2nd Edition by Medcalf and Russell, 1991). The documented mintage:
    2M-379/2M-380 10,000 minted
    2M-381 5,000 minted
    2M-382 Unknown minted
    A check of four reference books verifies the 10,000 and 5,000 mintage figures. As for the sterling silver coin, its mintage number is unknown at this time.
    I recently purchased another "Remember Pearl Harbor" coin to add to my collection and discovered a new variety!
    The coin is a 2M-382 Sterling Silver with "Pat. Pending" markings and is unlisted in any numismatic reference book.
    After searching the internet for additional related information, I found an interesting 1942 ad by the coin manufacturer, Metal Arts Company of Rochester NY. These coins were first advertised for sale in the February 14, 1942 issue of The Billboard (sixty-nine days after Pearl Harbor was attacked).
    From the ad, it can be determined that 2M-379/2M-380 have been misidentified as being copper (ad states bronze). After rechecking my Hawaiian numismatics books (both editions of Medcalf and Russell (1978, 1991); Medcalf and Fong (1967); and Gould and Bressett (1961)), Gould and Bressett was the only book that correctly listed them as bronze.
    From the ad, it can be determined that the bronze and sterling silver coins were awaiting completion of its patent (ad states "Patient Pending"). Hence, this is documented proof that there are in existence sterling silver coins with the markings "Pat. Pending".
    From the ad, there was no mention of the nickel coin being offered. It has yet to be determined that there are in existence nickel "Pat. Pending" coins.
    Below is my squadron of "Japanese Zeros": one bronze "Pat. Pending", three bronze, one nickel (with hole) and one sterling silver "Pat. Pending". I will post a better picture of the sterling silver coin in the future. I'm looking forward in having this squadron be NGC graded/encapsulated.
    Lastly, check out the 1942 prices in the ad....

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  7. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    ...
    I just provided my 155th Kiva loan to a sterling silver handcrafter in Indonesia.
    http://www.kiva.org/lend/451133
    If I had his mailing address, I would have donated a bunch of junk silver coins I have....
    Check out my profile and the members of Team Hawaii, Friends of HSPFI - Philippines, Johns Hopkins University, Philippines, Team Philippines, The George Washington University....
    http://www.kiva.org/lender/DrDarryl
    I loan to provide a helping hand with hopes to empower Asian Pacific entrepreneurs in working toward a better life. I am of Asian Pacific heritage and I help when I can.
    Picture is of a soirée I attend in the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC.

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  8. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Kingdom of Hawaii->Republic of Hawaii->Territory of Hawaii->State of Hawaii
    Finally, updated my "Territory of Hawaii Souvenir Pieces" custom set with pictures. The pictures are of raw coins I have secured in which I want NGC grading and encapsulation.
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=8347
    I'm holding out my entire submission until I locate a non-holed version of the 2M-381. This is one tough medal to locate...
    Picture below illustrates my motive for the custom set and was taken from Hawaiian Coins, Token and Paper Money by Gould and Bressett, 1961, page 40.

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  9. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Oh my ...
    So...
    I was looking for other HK-548 Hawaii Statehood so-called dollars on the internet. I Googled and explored my hits. Then I started to Google images. I took a double take on the NGC certification number on a image hit. I compared it with the eBay image I captured on my recent purchase and it was an exact match! This HK-548 used to be on a dealer's inventory in Virginia Beach. I bought this coin from an Austin, Texas resident on eBay.
    The HK-548 arrived today (that was fast...I won/paid for it this past Wednesday). Picture to the left is my picture. The picture to the right is from the internet (with the previous coin dealer name/logo removed).

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  10. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I bought Hawaii, however it was not an entire island....
    I don't have deep pockets like Larry Ellison (billionaire Oracle Corp. CEO) to buy the island of Lanai in Hawaii....
    But I did recently buy a HK-548 Hawaii Statehood So-Called dollar to add to my collection. I already have one that is NGC graded MS66. However, this beauty is MS64PL.
    NGC census indicates only 6 PL have been graded (3 MS66PL and 3 MS64PL). Total HK-548 graded by NGC is 27.
    http://www.ngccoin.com/NGCCoinExplorer/CoinDetail.aspx?UCID=2ESL
    Price was a steal on eBay. I did some online research (I remembered a MS64 sold in an April 2012 Heritage auction). That buyer paid $230 without buyer's premium. My recent purchase cost was only 23% of the April 2012 price (and I got a PL version).
    Picture is of my favorite beach on the north shore of Oahu. Actual picture taken by me. And yes those are my foot prints. Enjoy...

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  11. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Always a first time to enter ... deadline for entry is July 6th
    http://www.worldsfairofmoney.com/collector-exhibits
    I'm pondering the idea of creating an entry for the collector exhibit at the upcoming 2012 ANA Convention. Anyone with lessons learned or tips?
    I previously participated in stamps exhibits and have been somewhat successful....
    It will be interesting to see the exhibit entries at the upcoming Philadelphia ANA convention in August

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  12. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    So called dollar guy appointed as American Numismatic Association Executive Director ....
    http://www.money.org/communications/press-releases/archives/2012-press-releases/jeff-shevlin-named-new-ana-executive-director
    Received an email from Jeff over the weekend indicating that he will no longer be actively selling so called dollars while he holds the position....
    Ugh...I need a new source for my Hawaii so-called dollar want list....
  13. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    A pair of medals to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor...
    I picked both of these medals from an auction site dealing with WWII memorabilia. I was amazed that I actually found these medals at a non-numismatic auction. Listed as 2M-380 (copper, mintage 10,000) and 2M-381 (nickel, mintage 5,000) in Hawaiian Money, 2nd edition by Medcalf and Russell. The holed nickel medal is a filler at the moment. It's interesting that a Japanese Zero is the main design feature.
    The medals are also listed in Hawaiian Coins, Token and Paper Money by Gould and Bressett. This book indicates that these medals were sold throughout the US at 5c and 10c stores...
    I'm in search for an uncirculated nickel and sterling silver version. I have both versions of the copper (with and without text "Pat. Pending"...

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  14. TheHawaiianaNumismatist

    Aloha

    By TheHawaiianaNumismatist,

    An Hawaiian idea for my new custom set ....
    As most of you are aware, I have a keen interest in coins, medals and tokens from Hawaii.
    Stage 1 of my Hawaii Statehood Medal collection is complete. The next stage is to collect each of the 17 remaining variations. The gold variations will be extremely tough to locate and obtain.
    In the meantime, I have set up an intermediate goal for a Territory of Hawaii Souvenir Set. The time period is set (Territory of Hawaii). The specific items to collect was not set.
    My challenge was finding a listing from the time period and have done so. I have no objections to the current listings compiled in Medcalf and Russell (Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog), but they categorized items by similarity (i.e. cafeteria tokens, saloon tokens, etc...) I wanted a time period collection.
    Upon reviewing the literary material in my library, I came across page 40 in the book Hawaiian Coins, Tokens and Paper Money (by Maurice M. Gould and Kenneth Bressett, published in 1961). This is now my short term collecting goal which only requires 5 pieces.
    The image is page 40 from the book .... Hawaiian Coins, Tokens and Paper Money by Maurice M. Gould and Kenneth Bressett. Item 116 and 119 are so called dollars and information can be obtained from Hibler and Kappen book. The other 3 items are a challenge to investigate (their manufacturer, mintage (re-verify), variations, etc...). This challenge has begun!

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  15. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    What? An interstate highway in Hawaii...
    A relative gifted this race coin to me a few years back. She volunteered at the 1997 Great Trans Koolau Trek and was awarded this coin. I recently did some research on it and its mintage is 460 (information from http://www.royalhawaiianmint.com/database.htm)
    H-3 is one of the most expensive interstate highways built. It cost $80 million dollars per mile 0(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_H-3)
    I made this video last year while traveling on part of H-3 (turn up your volume for the music)

    ;list=UUOKCz1C40is8X2knKkHBqsw&index=6&feature=plpp_video
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  16. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    A recent 50c acquisition to my collection ...
    The image is a coin I recently purchased. It's a so-called 50c, 1959 silver Hawaii Statehood, thin variety (illegally made the same thickness as a US 50c piece). Purchased at a reasonable price...

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  17. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    An auction with rare Hawaiian coin ... Forsythe Collection
    I enjoy reading auction descriptions. Many of the high end auction companies really do their research to describe and point out the coin's or medal's rarity. This is especially true for the extreme rare Hawaii pieces.
    The example I recently seen is the 1895 Regina Huth $20 Gold of Princess Kaiulani (Lot 1880). There are also any other rarities in this auction. They are part of the upcoming May Pre-Long Beach Auction held by Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers.
    Auction 69, Session 5 (Auction Catalog)
    http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/auctions.php
    or short url (Lot 1880)
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/cex22zm
    or actual link (Lot 1880)
    http://images.goldbergauctions.com/php/lot_auc.php?site=1&sale=69&lot=1880&lang=1
  18. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    First purchaser requested his identity not be shared as he snuck out of work to purchase the coins...
    Great video on the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Release Day Ceremony. It was funny to see me in the video...I was there!
    All sixteen (16) gold coins sold out at the ceremony.
    (more about the gold coins http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9738)
    Picture below is of Daniel Shaver, Chief Counsel US Mint signing/dating purchases at the release ceremony.

  19. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I once took a date to see the the National Numismatic Collection ...
    http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/index.cfm
    One of the best things about living in the Washington DC metropolitan area is the richness in historical artifacts. I intentionally look for new experiences in the area. As such, I also like to share my interests. On one occasion I took a date to visit the National Numismatic Collection to share my interest in coins. She was enthralled with my hobby after viewing some of the rarities on display.
    I also like to point out that every so often the Smithsonian Institution holds a book sale. I need to research this further. On an antique shop junket in Maryland, I came across a few coin books stamped as property of the Smithsonian Institution. The shop owner said he purchased books from one of their sales. Needless to say, I put them on eBay and made a tidy profit.
    Mmmm....I need to plan a few antique shop junkets as soon as the summer weather sets in.

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  20. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    WoW ... I really got a bargain 11 months ago...
    At the recent Heritage 2012 April 18-22 US Coins Platinum Night CSNS Signature Auction- Schaumburg ...
    A HK-548 in MS-64 sold for $230 less buyer fees...My HK-548 in MS-66 purchased for $65 back in May 2011. Picture is of the $65 wonder ...now part of my Hawaii Statehood Medal Set
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=9345

  21. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    For all posterity ...
    I had a phone conversation with one of the museum curators at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. They finally received the coins, authentication paperwork and gifting letter.
    As he puts it, your name and gifts will be in the museum collection and shared "for all posterity". I never thought about it that way. He indicated there is a plan for the coins to be displayed in the near future as part of the rush of visitors attending the War of 1812/Star-Spangled celebrations in Maryland.
    Here are the gold coins...
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=9738
  22. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    For all posterity ...
    I had a phone conversation with one of the museum curators at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. They finally received the coins, authentication paperwork and gifting letter.
    As he puts it, your name and gifts will be in the museum collection and shared "for all posterity". I never thought about it that way. He indicated there is a plan for the coins to be displayed in the near future as part of the rush of visitors attending the War of 1812/Star-Spangled celebrations in Maryland.
    Here are the gold coins...
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetGallery.aspx?s=9738
  23. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    My NCS conservation results ...
    Fee to conserve my 1959 Hawaii Statehood medal was $21. Shipping back to me was an additional $19.70. NGC grading fee was set at $42 which included an oversize holder fee.
    As for the results, my medal (serial number 26) graded MS 66 and is now residue free!
    I am well pleased with the service provided by both NCS and NGC.

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  24. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    What precedes a "First Releases" and "Early Releases"?
    "Release Ceremony"!
    It took some effort to get this designation on this gold 2012 W $5 Star Spangled Banner Commemorative in PF 70 UC.
    Its permanent new home is in the museum collection at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore Maryland.
    This is a 3rd Journal Entry relating to my efforts of these gifted coins. Other two entries:
    My Pending Set Donation dated 3/27/12
    I Was There! dated 3/7/12
    Plan to make another journal entry when my time permits...

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  25. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I'm eager to see the conservation results by NCS ...
    I submitted a 1959 Official Hawai'i Statehood sterling silver medal (serial number 26) for NCS conservation and NGC grading. I was expecting a details encapsulation as some sort of chemical layering and reaction was occurring on the medal's reverse.
    This is the lowest serial number for the medal I have encountered and picked up this prize just for the serial number.
    I checked the medal's status. It graded MS-66! Now it's a bigger prize...
    Sunrise picture taken at Makapu'u Point on the island of Oah'u

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