Kingdom of Hawaii. Kalākaua. 1874-1891. Fantasy Pattern NI 5 Cents (21mm, 4.75 g, 6h). Dated 1881. PCGS PR 62.

CNG Feature Auction 127
Lot: 946.
Closing Date: Sep 18 2024 11:00 ET

The Gerald F. Borrmann Collection of Hawaiian Numismatics, Nickel

Estimate: $ 1 000

BID NOW

Kingdom of Hawaii. Kalākaua. 1874-1891. Fantasy Pattern NI 5 Cents (21mm, 4.75 g, 6h). Dated 1881. KALAKAUA KING OF SANDWICH ISLANDS * 1881 *, bare head left / 5 within crowned garter inscribed AU MAU KE EA O KA AINA I KA PONO. Cf. Medcalf & Russell 2CN-1 (for official issue) and p. 39 (for fantasy strike). Toned. In PCGS encapsulation 49695755, graded PR 62. Rare.

From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection.

The reign of King Kalākaua was a time of both great prosperity and great risk for Hawaii. In 1875, Hawaii signed the Treaty of Reciprocity, granting the kingdom free access to the lucrative American sugar market, while providing a guarantee that no Hawaiian land would be leased to any other foreign power. The treaty opened a flood of American investment in thr sugar industry, exponentially increasing the amount and value of exports, but also allowing more power and influence to fall into the hands of American business interests. In 1887, a brief rebellion broke out in Honolulu backed by the Hawaiian League, an organization that aimed to overthrow the monarchy and annex the islands to the United States. The king was forced to sign the Bayonet Constitution, abdicating much of his power to the legislature, by now dominated by pro-American businessmen. The constitution also stripped native Hawaiians and Asians of their voting rights, ensuring the domination of the leading faction.

In 1881, Kalākaua embarked on a world tour to promote his kingdom’s foreign interests. While on the voyage, he was approached by the owner of a nickel mine, who offered to have nickel coins struck for the kingdom. Designs were made and approximately 200 patterns were struck in Paris for distribution in Hawaii. Nothing came of these patterns and no circulating nickel coins were ever issued for the kingdom. This example is from an unofficial fantasy issue that can be distinguished by the thicker flan and absence of a cross at the pinnacle of the crown.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 127 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 17-18 September 2024. This lot is in Session Three, which will begin 18 September at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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