Coin commemorating the discovery of Hawaii by James Cook, 1778

Half dollar with a milled edge. Obverse: Bust of Captain James Cook (1728-1779) in a tie-wig and uniform (left). Legend: 'UNITED . STATES . OF . AMERICA. HALF DOLLAR'. Inscribed: (left) 'CAPT. JAMES COOK DISCOVERER OF HAWAII' (right) 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Reverse: A chief of the island standing, a staff in his left hand, right hand outstretched; a palm tree behind (right) a distant view of the shore and mountain (left) Legend: '1778 1928'. Inscription: 'E. PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Object Details

ID: MEC2587
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Commemorative coin - half-dollar
Display location: Display - Pacific Encounters Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Events: Exploration: Cook's Third Voyage, 1776; Discovery of Hawaii, 1778
Date made: 1928
People: Cook, James
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 31 mm