Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 56 17 Mar 2021
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
World Medals, Hawaii, The Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, established 1850, silver medal, by Francis N. Mitchell, undated but pre-1857, awarded to A. P. Hillebrand for '2d Variety of Flowers', Royal Crown over symbols of agriculture in the Hawaiian Islands, a barrel of sugar and sacks of coffee, a plough, plants and, beyond, sailing ships, with the rising sun, ROYAL HAWAIIAN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, rev. PREMIUM FOR THE BEST EXHIBITED, with details of the award engraved within centre, 63.5mm. (Julian AM-24; cf. Ford pt. 9, 10 May 2005, lot 27), struck at the Philadelphia mint, a few minor scuffs and marks, extremely fine and extremely rare
The recipient would seem to be a relative of the famous botanist William [Wilhelm] Hillebrand (1821-1886), who spent many years in Hawaii and Honolulu. The Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society was established in 1850 to promote agricultural enterprise in Hawaii. The Society presented medals annually to the best in each category of a juried exhibition of Hawaiian agricultural products and the earlier 1850-dated medals were produced at the United States Mint, with the last minted in 1857. The medals were originally ordered by the Society through the agency of a Mr. Marshall of Massachusetts. At the Society's request, Marshall contacted James Ross Snowden, director of the Mint, who forwarded the request to the Department of the Treasury where approval was granted on the condition that the medals were to be made after regular Mint hours. The number of specimens either minted or presented is unknown.
The recipient would seem to be a relative of the famous botanist William [Wilhelm] Hillebrand (1821-1886), who spent many years in Hawaii and Honolulu. The Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society was established in 1850 to promote agricultural enterprise in Hawaii. The Society presented medals annually to the best in each category of a juried exhibition of Hawaiian agricultural products and the earlier 1850-dated medals were produced at the United States Mint, with the last minted in 1857. The medals were originally ordered by the Society through the agency of a Mr. Marshall of Massachusetts. At the Society's request, Marshall contacted James Ross Snowden, director of the Mint, who forwarded the request to the Department of the Treasury where approval was granted on the condition that the medals were to be made after regular Mint hours. The number of specimens either minted or presented is unknown.