1879 Hawaii Plantation Token. Thomas H. Hobron. 12 1/2 Cents. Medcalf-Russell

1879 Hawaii Plantation Token. Thomas H. Hobron. 12 1/2 Cents. Medcalf-Russell 2TE-8. 2/6 Stars. Thin Planchet. AU-53 (PCGS). PCGS has mounted this token backwards in the holder. It is an attractive example offering above average technical quality and superior eye appeal for this challenging type. Indeed, many survivors of this Medcalf-Russell number that we have brought to auction in recent years have been moderately circulated and/or impaired. Not so here. This piece is fully AU in preservation with all major design elements boldly to sharply rendered where allowed by strike. The impression is soft along the left obverse and right reverse borders, not unusual for the type. Color is richly original with hints of deep rose and medium olive to dominant autumn-orange brown patina. There is some ancient surface build up around the design elements, but the in-hand appearance is pleasingly smooth in the absence of sizeable or otherwise singularly distracting blemishes. Denominated as 12-1/2 cents, or one Spanish real, and dated 1879, this token was issued for Thomas H. Hobron (T.H.H.) to pay those who worked to construct the railroad between the port of Kahalui on Maui and his sugar plantation in Wailuku. The first train, led by a locomotive named Queen Emma, ran on July 17, 1879. For those of a philatelic mindset, stamps were also issued for those using the railroad to transport mail, as Hobron was also postmaster of Kahalui. The fascinating tokens he issued are one of the most popular issues from the Hawaiian Islands and today are quite rare in all grades. Judging by our recent auction offerings, Medcalf-Russell 2TE-8 seems to be the most plentiful variety in numismatic hands, although we caution bidders that most are certified in grades of EF or lower. PCGS# 515877. Click here for certification details from PCGS. Image with the PCGS TrueView logo is obtained from and is subject to a license agreement with Collectors Universe, Inc. and its divisions PCGS and PSA.

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