These two Hawaiian beauties are on their original card with original overwrap. Both are untouched by human hands, thereby, retaining its original mint luster. Please refer to page 126 of the book Hawaiian Money Standard Catalog, Second Edition, by Medcalf & Russell.

The significance of these medals to Hawaiiana numismatics is that the destination of the inaugural flight was Honolulu, Hawaii. On this flight passengers were gifted with the proof-like medal without card.  Official mintage figure is stated as 4,901 on the card; however, two other sources indicated a total mintage of 6,724. It can be assumed that the difference of 1,823 medals was provided by United to passengers, flight crew, ground crew, other employees and vendors working on the Super DC-8.

As for the mintage of 4,901 on the card, it can be  the census for the medals only issued on card.

The 651 and 4,901 on card census has also decreased as collectors discarded the card for direct access to the medal.

Tried to locate supporting information on a Duke token listed on ebay. None.  The blank reverse is an engraving pad. High probability its an appreciation medal of some sort (maybe for donors that made the statue possible?). It could even be a tourist souvenir.  I’m still looking into this token/medal….

Here is a very detailed thesis I found. Its a very good read on the Duke.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDAQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fetda.libraries.psu.edu%2Fpaper%2F7085%2F2490&ei=csyRUu6CJ4_NsQTO2IDwCA&usg=AFQjCNECyPE5sesLAov4viFUHc6XmssypA&bvm=bv.56988011,d.cWc

The Hapalua!

Over 340 transactions have been documented since 1994.

Other interesting Hawaii coin auction stats at:

http://www.ngccoin.com/auctioncentral/SubCategory.aspx?SubCatID=82&PopSubCat=us-hawaii

A few ebay sellers need to perform research on what they are selling. So…what does this token has to do with Hawaii?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HAWAII-TOKEN-THE-GIANT-AMERICAN-SAVINGS-FOUNDED-1885-/171180761405?&_trksid=p2056016.l4276

The answer: Nothing

http://tokencatalog.com/token_record_forms.php?action=DisplayTokenRecord&td_id=295107&inventory_id=258760&attribution_id=300902&td_create_uid=698

Mintage confusion of this coin was started by the Royal Hawaiian Mint.

What is its mintage?

RHM database indicates a mintage of 142. On the COA (rear inside cover of booklet) states a maximum mintage of 1000.  A number is also handwritten identifying its strike sequence. An example is 467 of 1000.

RHM never had a large production run for an individually issued gold coins. Production run of gold coin in sets never exceed 950 . Besides it makes good business sense to be flexible with minting coin. That is, have advance printing of the COA with estimated mintage and strike the coin based on demand not to exceed the maximum mintage. My best guess demand was not there.

I have ignored the COA mintage number and have been using 142 mintage number from the RHM database.

It took me a few days to locate a gold specimen to compare with.

When I purchased my bronze specimen. I knew the reverse was correct die for the Hawaiian Mint 18K 21mm gold. It was the obverse that was puzzling.

After taking a few pictures of my specimen and locating an actual  gold specimen, it can be confirmed that I have a bronze trial piece.  As for the the claim that my bronze trial piece is one of five, it maybe true,  its not confirmed that there were only 5 struck.

In the image, directly compare Kalakaua’s hair strands. They are exactly placed. Click image  to isolate the image, then click again to enlarge.

M&R indicates that 2M-141 had 50 gold specimens struck.

RHM database indicates only 26 gold specimens were struck (listed as 1982 Kalakaua 21 mm 18K Gold).

There is no public record that any bronze specimens were struck. Coin holder from seller  indicates only 5 were struck.

Similar design elements with the Royal Hawaiian Mint issued 2M-205.

Minter is unknown. This may be a ‘Iolani Palace souvenir piece.

On the reverse: Taro leaves increased to 11, added Kalakaua birth year and year of death, and added Kalakaua’s motto “Ho’oulu Lahui”.

No minter’s hallmark, metal identifier, or metal  fineness. However the weight is 1/2 oz and metal looks silver. The 3mm thickness is also a hint that its a silver bullion coin.