I really think it's an old token. Could be that the number 2 was etched or stamped onto the coin much later but this token looks very old and unless it's a counterfeit from China I will believe that it's an oldie. Quality like that does not happen in today's world. In Memory of the great circumnavigator Captain James Cook, R.N. who discovered these islands on the 18th of January, 1778, and fell near this spot on the 14th of February, 1779.
Captain James Cook was born in England and was considered by many to be the best navigator ever. I really don't know that much about him and his many travels but I'm trying to get some information on my token. All the info I've been able to find shows that he discovered Hawaii in 1779. My token is dated 1778 so that may help in my search to find information. I have located a pic of a token just like mine, (in google images) except it looks silver and underneath the pic it says "maker unknown". Well I don't care much about who made it as much as I care about when it was made and how much it's worth. It's been numbered and whenever a token is numbered it always gets higher scrutiny than a regular unnumbered token would get, from me anyways. If you have time read the small history from Wiki and if you know anything about Captain Cook or the token please share, offer a post. All responses appreciated. If anyone can help me out with any information that would be great!! :thumb: Captain Cook Discovers Hawaii Kayakers at Captain CookCaptain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, entered the sheltered waters of Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the God) on the morning of Jan 17, 1779, during the height of a local religious festival. Thinking Cook was a returning God, the Hawaiians welcomed and honored him. Strife followed, and the Hawaiians realized that Cook and his crew were not immortal. In the end, Cook was surrounded and killed at this very spot. This monument is only approachable by rugged foot trail or by water. The best way to reach this austere and beautiful spot is by kayak. Launch your kayak from the Kealakekua wharf and paddle across the bay. The water is clear and calm and the snorkeling and SCUBA diving at Captain Cook are unforgettable experiences. If you are looking for a more relaxing way to reach Capt Cook, try the Hawaii Snorkel Cruise to Kealakekua. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Although there are theories that Spanish or Dutch sailors might have stopped here much earlier, the first documented European to arrive was in 1779.[9] Captain James Cook and his ships, the Resolution and Discovery, first sighted Kealakekua Bay on the morning of January 17, 1779. He estimated several thousand people lived in the two villages. On January 28, he performed the first Christian service on the islands, for the funeral of a crew member who had died.[5] Ka?awaloa in 1779 by John Webber, artist aboard Cook's ship Unbeknownst to him, Cook had entered the bay during Makahiki, which might have led some of the Hawaiians to think he was part of the Lono festivities. This was also a traditionally peaceful time of year, so he was welcomed and given food. Cook and his crew stayed for several weeks, returning to sea shortly after the end of the festival; but after suffering damage during a storm, the ships returned two weeks later on February 14, 1779. This time relations were not as smooth. After some Hawaiians took one of Resolution's small boats, Cook attempted to lure Hawaiian chief Kalani?o-pu?u aboard until the boat was returned. A skirmish ensued during which Cook was struck in the head and stabbed, on nearly the very spot where he had first set foot on the island. This death was depicted in a series of paintings Death of Cook. Several local businesses use Captain Cook in their name. In fact, the traditional land division (ahupua?a) of Kealakekua, is now known as Captain Cook, Hawaii due to a post office located in the Captain Cook Coffee Company store, up the slopes of Mauna Loa. The town now called Kealakekua, Hawaii was in the land division known as Haleki?i.[10]
even if it is modern its still cool. and the story of him discovering Hawaii is crazy. good for conversation!
It's only a guess, based on the token's appearance, but I think this is a relatively recent/modern token.
I'm not saying the token is from 1788 or even 1874 but I do think that it was made prior to 1955. :thumb:
Fret, it's a nice specimen, indeed. Could have very well been made prior to 1955... (anything beyond 19-teen-ish IMO qualifies as "modern" )
This one is silver and listed as 1963: http://mp.natlib.govt.nz/search/?f=tapuhigroupref$Curios-003-001&s=a&l=en And a bronze on ebay, that has a more modern look: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/CAPTAIN-JAME...ItemQQimsxZ20100122?IMSfp=TL100122207001r2295
