1879 12 1/2C Hawaii - T.Hobron 2/6 Stars, BN MS(PCGS#600515)

August 2023 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

6744

等级

AU53BN

价格

12,233

详细说明

1879 Hawaii Plantation Token. Thomas H. Hobron. 12 1/2 Cents. Medcalf-Russell 2TE-8. 2/6 Stars. Thin Planchet. AU-53 BN (NGC). Fully original, aesthetically pleasing and rare AU quality for this challenging token type. Warmly and evenly toned, both sides are awash in deep copper-rose patina. The strike is typically soft at the borders, where some virgin planchet roughness remains, but all design elements are suitably bold, if not sharp for the type. Centering could be a bit better, as it is off to 6 o'clock on both sides, resulting in the only significant softness. With no post-production blemishes of note, this piece is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into an advanced Hawaiiana cabinet. NGC has mounted this token with the reverse up in the holder, which seems to be both their and PCGS' standard treatment for the type. Denominated as 12-1/2 cents, or one Spanish real, and dated 1879, this token was issued for Thomas H. Hobron (T.H.H.) to pay those who worked to construct the railroad between the port of Kahalui on Maui and his sugar plantation in Wailuku. The first train, led by a locomotive named Queen Emma, ran on July 17, 1879. For those of a philatelic mindset, stamps were also issued for those using the railroad to transport mail, as Hobron was also postmaster of Kahalui. The fascinating tokens he issued are one of the most popular issues from the Hawaiian Islands and today are quite rare in all grades. Judging by our recent auction offerings, Medcalf-Russell 2TE-8 seems to be the most plentiful variety in numismatic hands, although we caution bidders that most are certified in grades of EF or lower. PCGS# 600515. NGC ID: 2UBR. Click here for certification details from NGC. Additional image by NGC Photo Vision. Learn more at NGCcoin.com