1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial. MS-64 (PCGS).Offered is an exceptionally preserved example of the rare Hawaiian commemorative issue. Bronze tones overlay the silvery and pearlescent surfaces, showcasing wonderful originality throughout. Rich mint frost is seen on both sides and there are no signs of friction. One of the key dates in the United States Mints classic commemorative series, the 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial has a mintage of just 10,008 pieces, 50 of which are Proofs and eight of which are Assay pieces. This issue was authorized by the Act of March 7, 1928, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Captain James Cooks landing on the Hawaiian Islands. Sales of the coins at the official price of $2 each was intended to raise funds to help establish the Captain James Cook Memorial Collection in the archives of the Territory of Hawaii. Original distribution was by the Captain Cook Sesquicentennial Commission of Honolulu through the Bank of Hawaii, Ltd. As of 1986 the Bank still possessed at least 137 examples, which we (Bowers and Merena) sold through auction in January of that year. Many of the survivors are impaired from mishandling, but not this near Gem, as it is very nice for the assigned grade.<p>
