1883 10c Dollar Hawaii NGC+ PF66 CAMEO CAC. MR 2CS-2. Br-8031. This Kingdom of Hawaii one dime or Umi Keneta is the finest certified at NGC. It has light, lustrous devices that contrast with darkly toned fields. The coin is fully struck, as expected for a proof coin, and the grade of PF66+ is confirmed by CAC. The plus designation indicates that the coin is at the higher end of the assigned grade, and it approaches the requirements for the next grade. It also means the coin has above average eye appeal. The CAC sticker further confirms NGCs opinion about the grade and quality of the coin.

The 1883 dime was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1883 and 1884 (but all are dated 1883) for the Kingdom of Hawaii. Since it is the size of a United States dime, despite its odd denomination, it was valued the same as its U.S. equivalent.

The coin pictures a right facing bust of the king surrounded with the inscription KALAKAUA I KING OF HAWAII with the date below. On reverse the denomination, ONE DIME, is encircled with an open wreath tied with a bow at the bottom and a crown at the top. The motto UA MAU KE EA O KA AINA I AK PONO, which means The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness is at the top, and the denomination UMI KENETA is below.

After the death of Captain James Cook in 1779, King Kamehameha forced the unification of Hawaii. This centralization led to the development of a monetary system for the country. In 1872, the king died. He was succeeded by William C. Lunalilo; however, he soon died too. In 1874 David Kalakaua announced his candidacy for the throne. He faced Queen Emma (the widow of the late King Kamahameha IV) and won the election. Her supporters rioted, and the new king asked for American and British warships to help reestablish peace.

The king then traveled abroad to examine coinage manufacturing in other countries. He wanted to modernize Hawaiian life. During his visit to the United State he met with Secretary of State James Blaine, who indicated that Hawaii was very important to the safety of the United States. His statement was the beginning of increased aid and ties between the two countries. When the king returned to Hawaii, it was proposed that the United States become the manufacturer of Hawaiian silver coinage. Claus Spreckels, the banker, sugar tycoon, and power behind the throne, made the proposal to the king. It was clearly in his financial interest to have the islands united under the king.

The proposal was accepted and the Hawaiian government requested that one million Dala in silver coinage be made. Charles Barber, the Chief Engraver made hubs and master dies from the original designs. Four denominations were ordered; however, the Hapawalu was replaced with the Umi Keneta or dime. This change was important because it tied the Hawaiian coinage to the size, weight, and composition of United States coins, lowering the cost of production.

In 1900 Hawaii became a territory of the United States. The Hawaiian silver coinage was withdrawn from circulation and replaced with Federal coinage. As soon as Hawaiian coins were deposited in banks, they were to be shipped to the mainland for melting.

This coin is the finest Hawaii dime in the NGC population report. It shows 8 Proof coins certified in all conditions. In PF 66 there is 1 with 0 better. At PCGS there are 2 in PF66 with 0 better. These numbers do not account for crossovers or resubmissions.