Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary 
Juliette M. Fraser
Designer
Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar
1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Silver Half Dollar Obverse
1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Silver Half Dollar Reverse
Background
The Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar was released in 1928 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the islands.
Recipient Organization
The legislation stated: "That in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands by Captain James Cook, and for the purpose of aiding in establishing a Captain James Cook memorial collection in the archives of the Territory of Hawaii, there shall be coined in the mints of the United States silver 50-cent pieces . . . . The coins herein authorized shall be issued only upon the request of the Cook Sesquicentennial Commission of Hawaii and in such numbers and at such times as they shall request upon payment by such commission to the United States of the par value of such coins."
Characteristics
Their obverse features a bust of Capt. James Cook along with a compass. Eight small pyramids appear at the bottom, representing Hawaii's eight largest volcanic islands.
The reverse features a portrait of a native chief with robe and spear. He stands on the summit of a hill and extends his hand in welcome. Behind him are a coconut tree and a Hawaiian village of grass huts in the distance along the Waikiki Beach at the foot of Diamond Hill.
Obverse Inscriptions
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- 1778-1928
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- CAPT. JAMES COOK, DISCOVERER OF HAWAII
- HALF DOLLAR