1999 WAIKIKI DALA WITH SURFER & HULA DANCER

The 1999 Waikiki Dala - the 10th of the Dala series - traces its origins back to 1990, when the first "Honolulu Dala" was issued. The 1999 issue celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Royal Hawaiian Mint that was founded in Ahualoa on the Big Island of Hawaii in 1974. The obverse features the 25th Anniversary design and the two images of Hawaii that are known worldwide: Surfing and Hula. On the left side of the obverse is a finely detailed surfer frozen at the moment of "catching the wave." Surfing originated with the ancient Hawaiians and was made famous by the legendary swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. In the early 1960's, surfing entered America's cultural mainstream when it became the subject of teenage oriented movies, television shows and pop music. It continues today, with international surfers coming to Hawaii's world famous surfing spots, like Waikiki Beach. On the right side of the obverse, a traditional hula dancer standing frozen as her hands and body tell a story of old Hawaii. Since the ancient Hawaiians had no written language, they used the hula and chants to hand down the legends, culture, customs and all aspects of Hawaiian life. The hula entered mainstream American culture when cruse ships began calling on Hawaii in the 1920's. Today, hula is the Official Dance of Hawaii. The 1999 Waikiki Dala features the classic view of the moon rising over Diamond Head, reflecting on Waikiki Beach. The vista fames the 25th anniversary dates 1974-1999. The 1999 Waikiki Dala contains one full ounce of .999 fine silver. OIP for the Proof Edition in a presentation case and certificate was $25.00 The OIP for the Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) edition in a red velvet bag with certificate was $15. RE: MINTLINE NOVEMBER 1999