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TheHawaiianaNumismatist

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Journal Entries posted by TheHawaiianaNumismatist

  1. 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.
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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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).

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  13. 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.
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  14. 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.

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  15. 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.

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  16. 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

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  17. 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....
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  18. 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.

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  19. 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.

  20. 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.

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  21. 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.

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  22. 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.

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  23. 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.

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  24. 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.

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  25. 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...

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