• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

TheHawaiianaNumismatist

Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    30

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Journal Entries posted by TheHawaiianaNumismatist

  1. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    What a find!
    I review auction listings periodically and scan for items of interest to add to my collection. Two weeks ago, I found a very interesting listing. The seller did not know exactly what they were selling (as stated in the listing) and was not able to locate any information about his item.
    My "cherry picker" curiosity kicked in. I reviewed the wording in the auction listing and its pictures multiple times. The information provided was sparse and the low quality pictures were not that revealing.
    I checked my trusty collector catalog. There was a single sentence that subtly mentioned this mysterious auction item. There were no pictures in the catalog (of this item), just a single sentence. I re-reviewed the auction listing pictures and noticed the miniscule details. What I saw in the low quality pictures was now being revealed to me based on that single sentence from my trusty collector catalog.
    I began to search the internet with this partial set of usable information. I found two additional references about this item. I located a previous realized price (with a very helpful description) from a major auctioneer and a blog entry by a medal specialist describing this curious item. With this newly found information in-hand, I placed a conservative bid for the item at the auction.
    One week ago, I watched the auction final minutes with cautionary anticipation. I bumped up my secret high bid as a safety net. I was expecting a bidding war because I knew the rarity of this item. The bidding war never materialized. I was ecstatic that I won the auction well below my secret high bid.
    The item that I won is called by several different names: production sample set, progression set, production run set or process set. The focus of this set is the high relief 1959 Official Hawaii Statehood medal. It showcases the five stages of this high relief medal production effort with an actual medal from each of the stages. This set contains a blank planchet, medal after first strike, medal after second strike, medal after third strike and completed medal (obverse and reverse).
    My trusty collector catalog (Hawaiian Money 2nd edition, 1991, by Medcalf & Russell, page 100) states that only 30 such sets were produced and this set showed the 5 stages in the production life of the high relief Official Hawaii Statehood medal.
    Two items that tipped me off that this was a "process set" were: 1) Design details became sharper and crisper on each proceeding strike. 2) The circumference of the medal became larger (extra medal beyond the rim expands outward on each proceeding strike (high relief medals are not struck with a collar). The excess metal beyond the rim is later trimmed.
    Days after the auction ended, I found an exact set sold at Stack's September 2006 auction. I was surprised to find out that each of the three struck medals is uniface. The 2006 auction listing is http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/bruou54
    This "process set" is extremely nice and rare addition to my Hawaiiana collection.
    To be continued with Part 2 (set has been received; I'm studying it and will document/share my findings).
    Picture is from the 2006 auction (I believe it's the medal after the third strike).

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  2. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    My new custom set listing ...
    http://preview.outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/cqwkfsu
    A few medals belonging in this custom set are on their way back home to me from NGC grading/encapsulation, hence the extensive write-up in the set's description.
    The purpose of this set is to be a numismatic reference for the "Remember Pearl Harbor" medals (since the medal is basically unknown, information is not readily available, and the medal lays claim in being the first US numismatic item to depict the attack on Pearl Harbor).
    NGC certified medals to be added as they are received back from NGC.
    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  3. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I had to remove my original journal entry ...
    For those of you who read my original entry (posted this past weekend) got a glimpse of a recent purchase I made. It was about a naive auction lot seller and informed auction lot buyer.
    I removed the journal entry as the auction purchasing process is still running its course. I will re-post the original journal entry, provide an updated journal entry and point out additional interesting material I found relating to the purchased item.
    This purchase event reminded me of a past experience I had with a established silver dollar dealer. I purchased two raw mint state 1900-O Morgan silver dollars. I visually reviewed/compared my newly acquired coins against the VAM variety photos. I was surprised, then ecstatic.....I had unknowingly purchased two 1900-0/CC errors at the 1900-O price.
    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  4. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Got my grades today ... NGC grades
    I never did have a low grade in college...but...
    My NGC submittal (received by NGC on 11/08/2012) results were revealed to me this afternoon.
    This entry is about my HK-721 so called dollar (aka Honolulu Carnival Dollar, Honolulu (Aloha) Carnival Dollar, Mid-Pacific Aloha Carnival Dollar, Dukie, etc...) submittal.
    No slab image at this time.
    HK-721 so called dollar has a Fuld Rarity of R-5 (76 - 200 known).
    NGC census is currently at 6 graded (not including my submittal). Highest grade is MS62 and lowest grade is AU50. This is a very tough coin to locate.
    I now have an anchor (lowest grade in the NGC census). My coin's grade is VF-35.
    This coin was purchased from Jeff Shevlin, current American Numismatic Association Executive Director (before he took the position). I still have the purchase receipt and coin insert (indicating its "From the Collection of Jeff Shevlin").
    The coin is also an ex-lot from the 2007 Heritage Long Beach Auction (as indicated in an earlier journal entry).
    Picture was taken on Dec 3, 2012 while vacationing on Oahu.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  5. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Fun with my smartphone ... Even scans a barcode image on a laptop screen
    The "NGC Coin Details" smartphone app is a wonderful certification verification tool (used on my Samsung GALAXY S III). The barcode scanner is terrific (saves time from manually typing in the lengthy NGC certification number).
    I checked out many of my NGC encapsulated coins within my collection today and was very impressed. Most did not display an image of the actual coin, but did verify its certification.
    On a whim, I scanned the barcode of a coin displayed on my laptop screen and the app worked!
    The result is in the image below. One can also zoom in on the either the obverse or reverse for a closer inspection of the coin. It seems the actual image of the coin will only be shown if the coin's owner requested an image during the coin's certification process.
    For my "release ceremony" coin, I did order images and it did appear via this app.
    The app also stores a history of the coins that was scanned. It also provides features found at the full NGC website (coin specifics, varieties, price guide and auctions).
     
    I now have a smartphone tool to verify NGC certified coins displayed on my computer screen or while holding the coin in my hand.
    My "NGC Coin Details" smartphone app rating:
    5 out of 5 stars

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  6. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Planning purchases and possible visit to first day release ceremonies...
    I visited the US Mint website a few days ago and reviewed their 2013 product release schedule.
    I am speculating that there is a high probability that I will be attending the release ceremony at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historical Shrine in August/September 2013 (as I did for the 2012 Star Spangled Banner commemorative coins).
    I find coin release ceremonies interesting ... I found a website for the Hawai'i Volcanoes (starts midway on page).
    http://www.thecoinguyhawaii.com/contact.html
    So look out NH, OH, NV, MD and SD for a 2013 US Mint coin release ceremony near you....
    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  7. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I patiently wait...still enjoying life
    NGC status
    11/05/2012 - 11 medals (Hawaii related) sent registered at my local US post office
    11/08/2012 - Received at NGC
    12/14/2012 - Scheduled for grading
    TBD - TBD
    My Status
    - 26 consecutive days of vacation
    (started 11/09/12, ended 12/04/12)
    - Daily morning runs windward Oahu (various distances)
    - 10 mile Turkey trot run in Honolulu (on turkey day)
    - Spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii with parents, brothers, sister and relatives
    - Played tourist (sometimes)
    - Played Kama'aina (most of the time)
    - Flew my AR Drone 2.0 at various Oahu beaches
    - Lectured at high school alma mater on topic of engineering
    - Flew my AR Drone 2.0 at the lecture
    - Ran in the Xterra 21K trail run (got my butt kicked by the mountainous hillsides)
    - Spent time on the beaches
    - Back to work on 12/05/12
    - Visited the Holiday decorated White House
    - Planning holiday retreat (11 consecutive days)
    - 3 incorrect body bagged Hawaii medals sent back to NGC
    - 12 additional Hawaii coin/medals submitted to NGC
    (My first AR Drone 2.0 flight is on youtube (search AR Drone Hawaii...by DRG0M3Z (with number 0 and 3 as letter substitutes) ... I am better drone pilot today...)
    White House tour was ok ... picture taken in Blue Room looking at south lawn toward Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  8. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Delineating Hawaiian numismatics between World and US listings
    NGC classifies coins, tokens and medals in the Medcalf & Russell reference (Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog) as "World Coins".
    However, in checking the online NGC World Coin Census there are no United States selection or Hawaii selection. I would have expected the Hawaii coins, tokens and medals to be listed here as they are classified as "World Coins"
    In addition, if you check the online NGC US Coin Census, NGC only lists the Kingdom of Hawaii coinage. Very strange listing since the Kingdom of Hawaii was never part of the US.
    Hawaii lesson:
    Hawaii was its own country as Kingdom of Hawaii, Provisional Government of Hawaii and Republic of Hawaii. It became part of the US as Territory of Hawaii and later State of Hawaii.
    Stopping the confusion ...
    Coins, medals, tokens prior to June 15, 1898 should be listed under "World Coins" (Hawaii was not part of the US until June 15, 1898).
    Coins, medals, tokens dated June 15,1898 and later should be listed under "US Coins".
    This sets a solid boundary in what is "World Coin" vs "US Coin" as it relates to Hawaiian numismatics.
    I took the following panoramic picture of Manana Island (aka Rabbit Island) on December 3, 2012 while vacationing on Oahu.

  9. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    My Pearl Harbor Casualties circa 12/12/12
    While on my Hawaiian vacation, I was dismayed in learning that three of my 1941 Remember Pearl Harbor medals from my NCS/NGC submittal were flagged as "Ineligible Type" (class of coin, medal or token that NGC does not certify).
    Wait ... what do you mean they are "Ineligible Type"?
    After I arrived back to the east coast, I sent an email to NGC to explain to me which specific items in the Medcalf & Russell reference book (Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog) where ineligible and eligible.
    The medals being returned back to me were 2M-379, 2M-380, and 2M-382. Only the 2M-382 had undergone conservation.
    Someone on the NGC staff replied in an email and apologized for the mix-up. Apparently, the mix-up occurred during the NCS to NGC transition. The 1941 Remember Pearl Harbor medals are eligible for encapsulation and grading.
    The medals arrived back to me today. They will be mailed out tomorrow. The turn-around time will restart.
    I estimated I will get these medals back in 31 days (5 days to NGC, 21 business days at NGC, and 5 days from NGC). However, with the upcoming holidays (NGC closure and snail mail delays) I should not expect the coins until February 1st.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  10. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Do you own the lowest serial number NIIHAU correction medal?
    Recently, I acquired another Official Hawaiian Statehood medal in sterling silver (submitted for NGC grading and encapsulation earlier in November 2012). This specimen is serial number 1309.
    In a previous journal entry I presented original research that concludes that serial number 1266 is currently the known "discovery" medal that corrected the the NII HAU spelling error (space inserted between the letter I and H) to NIIHAU (single word). This newly acquired medal exhibits the same traits as the serial number 1266 medal.
    My hunt continues for the lowest serial number that corrects the NII HAU spelling error. If you have an Official Hawaii Statehood medal in sterling silver that is lower than serial number 1266 and exhibits the correct spelling of NIIHAU, please contact me. You may hold the new "discovery" specimen for the correction of NIIHAU spelling error, will help in resolving the final population count and help document this new finding in Hawaiian numismatics.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  11. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Seller uses my research ...
    I was searching the numismatic listing at an auction website (eBay) and found a "Remember Pearl Harbor" medal (I call it a medal due to its listing in the 2nd edition of Hawaiian Money).
    I noticed several key words used by the seller from my previous NGC journal entries relating to this medal.
    The terms include "Pocket Coin", "The Medal Arts Co" (word "The" is not normally used as its missing on the medal", "69 days" (estimated days between attack and advertisement for "pocket coins", and finally claiming its the first Pearl Harbor "commemorative" (numismatic material in remembrance of the Pearl Harbor attack, entry of the US into WWII and to seek vengeance on this act of war).
    As update to my previous Remember Pearl Harbor medal journal entries. I submitted 11 medals for NGC grading (3 have undergone NCS conservation). Each are now awaiting NGC grading and encapsulation. I estimate that I should receive the medals in mid December.
    My dad is a US Army World War II veteran. He was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal. The three medals are in the photo. He was also awarded the Honorable Service Lapel Button World War II and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.
    Pretty cool to say that my dad is a WWII veteran (he is still alive). What is remarkable about him is that he is of Filipino ethnicity and born/raised in the Territory of Hawaii.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  12. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    American Civil War and the US Mint
    Washingtoniana collectors have a wide variety of interesting coin, medals and tokens to collect. I was reviewing medals listed at an auction site and found an interesting medal from the start of the American Civil War.
    The September 2, 1861 "Oath of Allegiance" medal was used to commemorate the "allegiance to the US Constitution" requirement by US Mint officials and workers after the loss of 3 of the 5 US Mint facilities to the Confederate States of America (CSA).
    The oath was to counter publicity about US Mint employees going over to the Confederacy. This was due to the fact the CSA retained all mint officials at the New Orleans Mint (6 months earlier), took control of the Dahlonega Mint (5 months earlier), and took control of the Charlotte Mint (4 months earlier).
    The medal was designed by the engraver Anthony C. Paquet and attributed as Julian CM-2 and Baker 279. They were struck in gold, silver, copper and aluminum. Only 259 were struck in silver.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  13. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Purchased a few Hawaiian Beauties
    Yesterday, I took my father and son (they both reside on the island of Oahu) to a local coin show in Hawaii. The event was listed at the Hawaii State Numismatic Association web page. A limited number of dealers were present.
    Don Medcalf (co-author of the book, Hawaiian Money, Standard Catalog, ISBN: 0962326305) had a table and I purchased a few Hawaiian medals from him. He invited me to visit his coin shop to look at his inventory. I will...later on during this vacation.
    I picked up three Hawaii Statehood medals circa 1959/1960 at reasonable prices.
    Just prior to my vacation I submitted 4 medals to NCS and 11 medals to NGC. NCS coins are "scheduled for grading". NGC places a status of "received" for the 11 medals. Hopefully, the coins will be shipped prior to the end of my vacation in December.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  14. 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

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  15. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    ...from the Smithsonian Institution to the ANA's Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library...
    I located a specimen that resides in the Smithsonian Institution collection that provided an additional trail of research ...
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/97hlsns
    Manufacturer is identified as Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut (in business since in 1802). The Smithsonian has a very large collection of their medals, money, tokens, buttons and pins that dates back to the early 1800s.
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/97kcu3k
    The Numismatic Bibliomania Society (NBS) provided additional information on the Scovill Manufacturing Company
    http://www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v09n13a12.html
    http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ct0598/
    I'm making the assumption that this medal is listed in the book, National Commemorative Medals of the United States since 1873, as NBS did reference this book.
    So...Made use of my ANA membership...I requested ANA's Dwight N. Manley Numismatic Library to send me copy for my reading pleasure...
    ...the research continues...
    So far this research has been very interesting...
    Received my specimen this morning and I was amazed at the proof-like fields...this has to be a presentation piece since its well preserved...

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  16. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I should incorporate the words "Numismatic Detective" in a parody song in the style of the original song by Elvis Costello "Watching the Detectives"
    Earlier last week I submitted paperwork to my lawyer for a US Patent filing. Within days, I was contacted with news that a US Provisional Patent application was officially filed under my name with my invention at the US Patent & Trademark Office in Washington DC. This was my second ever US patent filing.
    Curious in tying my work (I'm an engineer by trade) with one many my hobbies that I take pleasure in (numismatics in this case), I began to search for any numismatic material relating to the US Patent Office.
    I found a few modern tokens. Then a rather interesting item caught my eye, a holed example of the 1891 US Patent Office Centennial medal in aluminum. I found a few example pictures on the internet. One example was in the Harry Bass Collection. A few sold at various auctions. Unfortunately, each had a hole to suspend it for wear or display.
    I located an 1892 publication titled Celebration of the beginning of the second century of the American patent system at Washington City, D. C., April 8, 9, 10, 1891. A plethora of Washington politicians and inventors are identified as attending. The more noteworthy inventors include: Alexander Graham Bell, Samuel Morse, Thomas Edison, George Westinghouse, etc...
     
    http://outside-affiliatelinksnotallowed.com/9xfyeq4
    Page 36 states that the medal is pure aluminum and was provided as a souvenir.
    A website identified the medal as 48 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick. It was also designed by C. L. Chapelle. The initials CLC can be seen on the obverse.
    I did locate an unholed specimen in uncirculated condition with wonderful eye appeal. This is the only unholed example I have seen and immediately purchased it (I'm awaiting for its arrival). I believe this is a presentation specimen.
    The text is from the 1892 publication and the picture is the medal I purchased.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  17. 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.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  18. 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.....

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  19. 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

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  20. 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....

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  21. 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....

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  22. 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.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  23. 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.

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  24. 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).

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.
  25. 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...

    To see old comments for this Journal entry, click here. New comments can be added below.