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 The pricing is obsolete and the book lacks any of the modern issues produced since 1991, but it is a great start for anyone interested in "visiting" Hawaii through its coins.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.
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