Commems Collection Classic: 1928 Hawaiian (European) Discovery Sesquicentennial - Historical Tidbits

A few brief tidbits about the 1928 Hawaiian (European) Discovery Sesquicentennial Half Dollar...


Tidbit #1

US Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon, was asked why his department had no objection to the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial half dollar coin bill, considering its recent opposition to other commemorative coin proposals. He responded:

"This department interposed no objection to the bill for the reason that the issue of the proposed coin is for a territorial government enterprise. It is sponsored entirely by the territorial government of Hawaii. The event to be commemorated by the issue of a special coin is, in the judgment of this department, equal in importance and significance to the people of Hawaii to that of our recent sesquicentennial celebration in Philadelphia for which special coins were authorized.

[...]

"This department has, on numerous occasions, opposed the issue of special coins for local celebrations of interest to a limited number of people. The request of the territorial government of Hawaii for a special coin should not be regarded as in the same category with requests for special coins sponsored by non-governmental organizations or associations."


Tidbit #2

In March 1928, the Treasury indicated that the entire production run of 10,000 coins could be produced at the San Francisco Mint in a single day.

It would appear that, at the time, the California site was being considered by the Mint to be the facility used to produce the coins (as it had other western-focused commemorative coins). The coins, however, were ultimately struck at the Philadelphia Mint in June 1928.


Tidbit #3

The $2 per coin price for the Hawaiian Sesquicentennial half dollar was announced in March 1928 by Edgar Henriques, Executive Secretary, Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Commission.


Tidbit #4

The Hawaiian half dollar started to experience price escalation in the market (in the continental US) by the end of August 1928. Reports indicated prices of $3.50 to $4.00 per coin at dealers on the East Coast of the US.

It was reported that mainland orders continued to be received by the Hawaii Sesquicentennial Commission, and it was recommended that local residents In Hawaii) purchase their coin(s) "at once" from the Bank of Hawaii for $2 per coin (the official issue price).


Tidbit #5

The James Wilder play - "Hawaii 150 Years Ago" - was staged near Waikiki in August 1928 as part of Hawaii's Sesquicentennial celebrations. It was described as "the most spectacular event" of the celebration.

The play involved ~150 actors with authentic costumes, weapons and other "implements" used by Hawaiians circa 1778. The play recreated the appearance of Captain Cook in Hawaii in 1778. It was reported as a success.


1928 Hawaiian (European) Discovery Sesquicentennial Half Dollar



For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other US classic-era commemorative coin Tidbits , see: Commems Collection