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The 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin is a historically significant numismatic piece that was minted as part of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s coinage program. The coin was introduced during a time when Hawaii was still an independent kingdom, under the rule of King Kamehameha III. The Hawaii 1 cent was part of a broader effort to establish a local currency system that would help stabilize the economy and facilitate trade within the islands. These coins were struck in 1847 at the United States Mint, as the Hawaiian Kingdom had established a relationship with the United States for its coinage needs. The 1847 Hawaii 1 cent is highly regarded for its historical value, as it represents a moment in time when Hawaii was an independent kingdom and not yet a U.S. state.
The design of the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin is simple yet meaningful, incorporating elements that reflect the Hawaiian monarchy and its cultural significance. On the obverse of the coin, there is a depiction of King Kamehameha III, the reigning monarch at the time of the coin's issue. The king is shown facing to the left, with a crown on his head and his facial features stylized to reflect his likeness. Surrounding the portrait is the inscription “KAMEHAMEHA III KING” and the year “1847,” indicating the coin’s date of minting. The design captures the regal nature of the monarchy and serves as a lasting tribute to King Kamehameha III’s leadership in the kingdom. The reverse of the coin features a simple but elegant design, with the denomination “1 CENT” inscribed in the center. Surrounding the denomination are the words “HAWAIIAN KINGDOM,” emphasizing the coin's place in the history of Hawaii as an independent nation.
Minted in copper, the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin is relatively small in size, measuring about 18mm in diameter and weighing approximately 3.11 grams. The coin was struck at the U.S. Mint, specifically at the Philadelphia Mint, as Hawaii did not have its own minting facilities at the time. The coin was part of a series of coins that were designed and produced for use within the Hawaiian Kingdom. Although the coin was intended to serve as a functional piece of currency, it also represents an important moment in the history of both Hawaii and U.S. coinage. These coins were produced with high-quality craftsmanship, and as such, they are regarded as an important example of early Hawaiian numismatics.
The mintage of the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin is relatively low compared to other coins produced by the U.S. Mint, making it a rare and sought-after piece for collectors. Only about 500,000 of these coins were struck, which is a modest number considering the size of the Hawaiian population at the time and the relatively limited circulation of the coin. The rarity of the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent, combined with its historical significance, has made it one of the more coveted coins in the Hawaiian coinage series. Over time, the coin has become a symbol of Hawaiian independence and the monarchy, making it an important part of both U.S. and Hawaiian numismatic history.
As a coin that was struck in 1847, the 1 cent piece is part of a unique period in Hawaiian history, and its value has only grown over time. The Hawaiian Kingdom would continue to use its own currency for several more decades before eventually transitioning to U.S. currency in the late 19th century. The 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin, therefore, marks a transitionary moment, when Hawaii was still an independent nation, but its ties to the U.S. were beginning to influence its economic systems. Collectors of Hawaiian numismatics and those interested in the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom are particularly drawn to this coin due to its historical and cultural relevance. It serves as a reminder of a time when Hawaii was a sovereign kingdom with its own currency and economy.
The coin’s condition plays an important role in determining its value in the market, and the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent MS62 NGC is graded in a relatively high state of preservation. Coins that have been graded MS62 are considered to be in excellent condition, with most of the original details still visible. In the case of this particular coin, it was also struck with an error known as a "struck-through" error. This type of error occurs when debris or foreign material, such as dust or grease, is present on the die during the striking process, resulting in an imperfect strike that leaves an impression on the coin. The struck-through error on this coin is visible on the obverse, where it has affected the king’s face and other areas of the design. The struck-through error makes this coin even more interesting and valuable to collectors, as error coins are often highly sought after for their uniqueness.
The struck-through error found on this coin adds an additional layer of historical significance, as it serves as a reminder of the imperfections that can occur during the minting process. Despite this error, the coin’s overall design and the quality of the strike remain impressive, and the details of King Kamehameha III’s portrait are still clear. This error adds to the appeal of the coin, making it an interesting piece for collectors of both Hawaiian coins and error coins. Additionally, the coin's preservation and the rarity of the struck-through error contribute to its higher market value compared to similar coins without the error.
The 1847 Hawaii 1 cent MS62 NGC is a highly sought-after coin due to its rarity, historical importance, and distinctive design. It is one of the most important coins in the Hawaiian coinage series and remains a symbol of Hawaii’s sovereignty during the mid-19th century. The struck-through error only adds to the coin’s allure, making it an even more valuable and fascinating piece for collectors. Whether you are a collector of U.S. coinage, Hawaiian numismatics, or error coins, this particular example of the 1847 Hawaii 1 cent coin represents a significant part of American and Hawaiian history and is a prized possession for any numismatic collection.