I don't know but it looks a bit strange to me. The reverse doesn't look too bad but the obverse doesn't look right to me. Anyone?? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300363637800&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
I really have no idea but it does appear to be odd. I'm no expert on those types of coins at all though. For me the price is to high to take chances. Already 11 bids so there are at least 11 people out there that want that coin. If it was a few dollars, I'd take the chance but for that much and possibly more yet, not for me.
It looks like a metal detector find to me....one that was lying with the obverse facing up....which exposes the coin's obverse to more acid from rainfall. I have dug mercury dimes that had one side really nice....and one side pitted. Usual treatment for those is a soak in tarnex, and thumbing to try and at least make it look like a coin again. That's my guess. Anytime the surfaces are that damaged....I'll pass. On the other hand....if I dig one in that condition, I'll still take it home. I have an 1891-O seated dime that was in a house fire. I ought to have thrown that one back into the hole...but I still have it. I wouldn't want a coin with "Grady" from Sanford and Son on it anyway. Nightowl
I tried to compare your coin to a 10-cent image on my computer. Unfortunately my photos are too pixilated to allow a comparison. You can see for yourself:
Wow! The comparison looks real to me, I mean everything seems to line up as far as I can tell. I was just wondering as the obverse of the coin looks strange but the reverse looks alright. I'm not about to bid or anything, just an inquiring mind. What do you think Collect89? Anyone? Also, I don't think the same US dime or quarter etc. planchets were used for the Hawaiian coinage but I could be wrong. Anyone know the answer to the planchet question? Were the planchets that were used for US coins used in 1833 for the Hawaiian coins? Anyone?
According to Walter Breen, on page 672 of his Encyclopedia, Charles Barber created the master dies and hubs. Normal US dollar, half, quarter, and dime blanks were used. There is no mention of upsetting the planchets.
Yeah I agree, but only on the obverse. The reverse looks fairly normal. Oh well, I'm not bidding on it. I thought it was a good example is all. :eating:
Is it possible that it once was drilled and worn as jewerly (which might explain all the polishing) and then the hole was later plugged? The field adjacent to the left of K (KING) on the obverse is kinda funky - raised looking. On the bottom of the reverse between the words UMI and KENETA the field has some marks. These show up the best in the center pair of pictures. Maybe my imagination is getting the best of me. It's late and my eyes are tired.
