One of the most popular commemorative coins in its time and today is the 1928 Hawaiian half dollar, a coin honoring the 150th anniversary of Captain James Cook's landing in the Hawaiian islands in 1778. The coin, designed by Juliette May Fraser and Chester Beach, depicts Captain Cook on the obverse and on the reverse a picturesque island panorama with a native Hawaiian welcomingly gesturing toward the viewer.

The coin saw a relatively small mintage of around 10,000 pieces and they were widely distributed by the Bank of Hawaii for $2 each -- the highest issue price for a commemorative half dollar at that time. Most examples are well struck and lustrous, though exhibit have heavy toning.