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TheHawaiianaNumismatist

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Journal Entries posted by TheHawaiianaNumismatist

  1. 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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  2. 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....
  3. 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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  4. 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...

  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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
  8. 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.

  9. 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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  10. 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

  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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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  14. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    My mindset is in the land of Aloha...sort of
    My birthplace is Honolulu, Hawaii. I grew-up on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii (aka Big Island). My career keeps me on the continental US, but I often have vacation trips back "home". In all my trips, I allocate a period of time in which I pursue my Hawaiiana collectable hunts. From coins to documents.
    I have been advocating the concept to read as much as you can about a coin or coin type, as a mater of fact, anything that is of collectable interest to you. But,on occasions you have to go with your gut feeling...
    The attached article is about a gut feeling purchase I had. In the end, I donated this item to the Iolani Palace as they did not have an example...It feels good to donate a historical piece in which it can be admired by many. I donated the item in 2010.
    My article was printed in a newsletter published by the Hawaii State Society of Washington DC.

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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    The final medal for my Hawaii Statehood Medal Type collection arrived from NGC today ...
    Size does matter (for my large Hawaii Statehood medal).
    Picture is a comparison between the normal and oversize NGC coin holders. Now I need to figure out a method to display and house these different sized holders.
    I really like the semi-circle notch (directly above the medal). One can view the serial number on the medal's edge).
    http://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=9345 set one completed. Off to the next collection set challenge....

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  18. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    1 of 6 possible "First Day Ceremony" sets to be permanent part of National Park museum ...
    If you read my previous journal entry titled "I Was There!"...
    The coin set mentioned has been NGC submitted for a "First Day Ceremony" designation. After correspondences and telephone calls to NGC, it was agreed that these coins will be designated as "First Day Ceremony"(they could have easily obtained a "First Release" or "Early Release" designation). I believe this is the first and only Star-Spangled commemorative 4-coin set to seek the "First Day Ceremony" pedigree.
    The "First Day Ceremony" pedigree is established with authenticated paperwork from the US Mint and The Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission obtained during the Release Day celebration. US Mint reported that their gold inventory at the ceremony was a scant 16 gold coins (all sold within the first hour).
    My intent for obtaining the "First Day Ceremony" designation is to provide a historical gift donation to the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. I was among the first in the nation to purchase these coins from the US Mint sales at their launch ceremony held at the Fort (this launch ceremony sale occurred before the 12 noon online sale on March 5th, 2012).
    These Maryland-themed coins highlight the Star-Spangled Banner, Fort McHenry and the War of 1812. I was honored to be present at the Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Release Day Ceremony.
    The curator at the Fort's museum is delighted in the pending donation and await the NGC designated/graded coins.
    I'm even more delighted that "my coin set" will have a permanent home in the Fort's museum collection and enjoyed by all who visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.

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  19. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Read, study, and learn your collecting interest...
    No matter where or from whom you purchase your numismatic material always be an astute hobbyist by being knowledgeable expert in your interest area or seek proper expert advice.
    I seen too many individuals make purchases that they have regretted from seconds (at auctions) to decades (at appraisals) later.
    The challenge for each collector, no matter what is collected, is to be more knowledgeable than the seller/dealer.
    At some point as a collector, it will be second nature to "cherry pick" the true rarities from the "so called common junk" being pushed by the profit seeking seller/dealer.
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  20. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    A story of finding a coin's pedigree by accident...
    After purchasing a highly prized "Mid-Pacific Aloha Carnival Dollar" that depicts the great Hawaiian Olympian "Duke Kahanamoku" (So called dollar HK-721/Medcalf & Russell 2M-329) for my "Territory of Hawaii Souvenir" collection, I did an online search for similar coin in circulated condition.
    The coin is not dated, but the Mid-Pacific Carnival was held in 1914 in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. A rare "Dukie" in uncirculated condition in this link http://so-calleddollars.com/Events/Hawaii.html
    After viewing an icollector hit, I started to compare coins. I noticed an erie resemblance as I looked at each unique feature between the two.
    Obverse: A darken A in Pacific. Bumps along rim from D to P of Mid-Pacific.
    Reverse: Nick below II of Hawaiian. Nick in the center of the I in Islands.
    Patina matches in both observe and reverse. My photo is slightly darker as it was taken with my Android phone in my home office.
    To my surprise every visual feature was an exact match!
    In conclusion, my "Dukie" is lot #41 from Heritage 2007 Long Beach California auction.
    Left image taken by me. Right image taken online.
    Only 5 "Dukies" have been graded by NGC http://www.ngccoin.com/NGCCoinExplorer/CoinDetail.aspx?CoinID=851117
    Mine will be the 6th...

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  22. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    She is an incredibly beautiful and captivating Hawaiian ...
    She...as in my coin...
    Sharply struck with hints of light aqua and a sprinkling of gentle rose hues makes this a pulchritudinous example of the 1883 Kingdom of Hawaii quarter dollar.

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  23. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    Kona 'Kono' Kalakaua (Grace Park) is beautiful .. so is this Kalakaua
    Just having fun...
    My King Kalakaua fifty cent piece (or hapalua) with PhotoProof picture.

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  24. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    I've been collecting and selling coins from my collection as a means to an end ....
    Rare coin collecting has been a very enjoyable and profitable hobby for me. I have been collecting and reselling rare coins as a means of supplementary support while pursuing each of my academic degrees. I have four conferred academic degrees, so this means to an end has really helped me out. My degrees include (from lowest to highest): AAS in Electronic Technology, BS in Computer Science, MS in Systems Engineering and a PhD in Systems Engineering.
    At times it was very hard to let go what I collected and cherished. Each time I sold a piece from my collection, I would comfort myself with the idea that I will purchase a similar coin in the future to rebuild my original collection.
    Lately I have been inquiring about replacing a few of my territorial gold pieces and have been shocked in the increase in value. Yes, the price of gold has increased. But, the rarity of the coins has also boosted their prices.
    The below scan is of my 1851 "slug" that was once in my collection and was sold to support me in pursuing my MS degree at Johns Hopkins University. This slug has increased over 346% value since I owned it. Its catalog price is hovering at $45,000 level as of today. In 2001, I originally paid $13,000 for this beauty.
    I read Dr Kagin's book, Private Gold Coins and Patterns of the US (1981) before buying this gold beauty. He placed an R6 rarity (13 - 30 known pieces) and it matches current population reports. An XF40 sold in 2011 for $54,625...yikes!

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  25. TheHawaiianaNumismatist
    As most of you know by now, I have a passion for collecting. The beauty, the rarity and the history behind each item collected is my motivation.
    When individuals visit my home office, one of the first things they see is my medal collection. These medals come in all shapes and sizes, but each has a common theme.
    My personal goal is to collect eight or less each year. The most I ever collected was ten in one year. Don't get me wrong, I can collect more but it's nice to get them at a "good steady pace". This medal collection shows one facet of my life that provides me balance and focus.
    I started my collection in 2005. Each medal in my collection is priceless. I will never sell or trade any piece in my collection. You can say they are a part of who I am.
    These medals are not high dollar items, but there is monetary fee to get them. You really have to be physically and mentally prepared to seek them out. You just can't pick them up on a whim or slap a handful of dollars on the counter to purchase one.
    When one is handed to you, it really is the greatest feeling in the world!
     
    (...this is my comedic attempt to employ my writing skills, joy of numismatics, and running)

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