Hawaiian Coins

Hawaiian Money – It’s Like Being There (3-10-15 - waiting for permission to post)
by Ron Guth

The mention of the word Hawaii evokes images and memories of tropical islands, gentle tradewinds, lush greenery, luaus, hula dances, and pure, simple relaxation. For those of us in numismatics, our natural tendency is to think of the coins that were used at various times on one or more of the Hawaiian Islands.

Numismatic Expert Ron Guth connects the history of early Hawaiian coinage and the U.S. Mint. The very first coins used in Hawaii appeared in 1847 when the government of Hawaii contracted for the making of copper, one-cent pieces. These were made somewhere in the United States at an unknown location (attempts to link the production to a specific location are based on hearsay evidence, according to researcher and Hawaiian expert, Don Medcalf). The 1847 Hawaiian cents were the same size as U.S. Large Cents and are just as difficult to locate in top condition.

In 1883, King David Kalakaua of Hawaii arranged for a series of coins to be struck at the Philadelphia Mint. These included a Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar, and Dollar based on the same specifications and values as American coins. All of the coins bear a portrait of King Kalakaua on the obverse and a wreath and a Hawaiian crown on the reverse. A small number of pattern coins and Proof sets were made, all of which are rare and highly sought after today.


A number of so-called "Plantation Tokens" were issued between 1860 and 1891. These were used to pay workers and were only redeemable in company stores, thus establishing a dependency between the plantations and their employees. Today, these unusual tokens are difficult to find and are highly prized by collectors.

As a popular tourist destination, Hawaii inspired a rich variety of souvenir tokens and medals, some for use in specific locations, others of which are more general in nature. Many of these items are inexpensive and affordable, and there are so many of them that an interesting collection could be built with just a little effort and expense.

The standard reference work for Hawaiian coins is "Hawaiian Money – Standard Catalog" by Donald Medcalf and Ronald Russell. Published in 1991 as a second edition, the book is a comprehensive view of the various coins, tokens, and medals that have appeared since 1947. The pricing is obsolete and the book lacks any of the modern issues produced since 1991, but it is a great start for anyone interested in "visiting" Hawaii through its coins.


Other Hawaiian coins used:


This last coin was found in the tide pools of Puaena Point by my niece while we were camping.

Hawaiian Paper Currency

Hawaii Overprint "Wartime" Currency I thought this was a well written story about Hawaiian paper currency by Don Medcalf on behalf of Hawaii Island Stamp & Coin

After the Pearl Harbor bombing people in Hawaii began saving (perhaps hoarding) currency. A Rational response to whether a severe crisis, including a possible invasion. In January 1942. One month after the bombing, the government outlawed possession of more than $200 in cash (businesses $500). Dollar denominated stocks and bonds were also to be turned in for "safe-keeping". Severe penalties were provided for lawbreakers.

Hawaii citizens patriotically turned in their cash and securities. The government, fearing of enemy invasion, announced that "New Money" was on its way. Planned to start on July 1942, special notes imprinted with "Hawaii" would be the only legal tender, although they would have no value outside of Hawaii. The deadline was extended to August 15,1942 an exception made that any person within the territory may accept the old currency from U.S. Naval and U.S. Marines Corp personnel in uniform the old money, in turn, would not be legal tender in Hawaii. The complete switch because of some citizen resistance took 27 months. For the remainder of the war, all U.S. dollars carried by entering servicemen or civilians had to be exchanged into new money and reconverted upon leaving. The military police were authorized to open and inspect safety deposit boxes, searching for U.S. currency without the "Hawaii" overprint.

The "wartime" U.S. currency notes were overprinted with "HAWAII" in large letters in black, horizontally across the back, and in small letters vertically at each end of the face of the note. The seal and serial numbers were printed in brown. These were first issued June 8,1942. After August 15,1942 it was illegal to possess, without a license, the regular U.S. notes. These notes were legal tender only in the Hawaiian, Midway, and Palmyra Islands. Restrictions were removed on October 21,1944. They were then free to circulate worldwide including the mainland. In April 1946 the special notes were withdrawn and replaced with regular currency.

The $1 note was overprinted on series 1935A silver certificates. The $5,$10,$20 notes were overprinted on Federal Reserve notes of the twelfth (San Francisco) district. The $5 and $20 notes were overprinted on notes of series 1934 and 1934A. The $10 note was printed on the 1934A series only. All notes were printed 12 notes per sheet.

Credits: Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog "Second Edition" by Don Medcalf on behalf of Hawaii Island Stamp & Coin

Here are images of the currency used by Hawaiian government during those days.



*RARE* Hawaii Error note


The $5 notes are the SCARCEST of these four types, as $5 bills tended to be the most circulated, and the fewest that survived in nice condition. It is just plain HARD to find these in fairly priced collector grades! There are some other Hawaiian notes as shown below.






Other Hawaiian notes and Republic of Hawaii notes: