A fantastic specimen that PCGS claims to be cleaned. It does not seem to be cleaned to this viewer but be that as it may, what we have here is a first rate coin with beautiful toning over reflective field. This specimen has no signs of wear or contact marks to this cataloger and I think the next owner will agree. A simply great coin. PCGS AU Details.


King Kalākaua, full name David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua, was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. He ruled from 1874 until his death in 1891. Kalākaua is often referred to as the "Merry Monarch" due to his efforts to revive traditional Hawaiian cultural practices, which included hula and other forms of native arts.

Key points about King Kalākaua's reign include:

  1. Ascension to the Throne: Kalākaua became king on February 12, 1874, succeeding King William Charles Lunalilo. His election followed a period of political turmoil in Hawai'i, and he was the first king elected by the legislature.


  3. Coronation: Kalākaua was officially crowned on February 12, 1883, in a lavish ceremony at ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu. The coronation celebrations were marked by traditional Hawaiian ceremonies and performances.


  5. Cultural Renaissance: King Kalākaua was a strong advocate for the preservation and revival of Hawaiian cultural practices, which were under threat due to Western influence. He supported the hula, chants, and other traditional arts, contributing to what is often referred to as the Hawaiian Renaissance.


  7. Kalākaua's Influence: The king's interest in cultural revival also extended to politics, where he sought to strengthen the monarchy and Hawai'i's independence. However, his reign faced economic challenges, and he incurred significant debt to modernize the kingdom.


  9. Reciprocity Treaty: To address economic issues, Kalākaua pursued the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 with the United States. The treaty allowed duty-free export of Hawaiian sugar to the U.S. market, benefiting the Hawaiian economy but also raising concerns about American influence.


  11. Bayonet Constitution: Kalākaua's reign faced challenges from a faction of foreign and local residents who sought to limit the powers of the monarchy. In 1887, under threat of force, he signed the Bayonet Constitution, which curtailed the monarch's authority and increased the power of the non-native elite.


  13. Death: King Kalākaua died on January 20, 1891, during a visit to San Francisco, California. His sister, Liliʻuokalani, succeeded him to the throne.

Kalākaua's reign is remembered for its efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and traditions. However, the political and economic challenges faced during his reign contributed to the erosion of the monarchy's power, eventually leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893.