1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, Lettered Edge, 880 Thous. AU58 PCGS. CAC. K-2, R.5....

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1851 Humbert Fifty Dollar, AU58
Lettered Edge, 880 Thous., K-2
CAC Approval
Iconic Gold Rush Souvenir

1851 $50 LE Humbert Fifty Dollar, Lettered Edge, 880 Thous. AU58 PCGS. CAC. K-2, R.5. The United States Assay Office was authorized by an act of Congress on September 30, 1850. Although those living and working in Gold Rush-era California wanted a full-fledged branch mint operating in San Francisco, Westerners accepted the United States Assay Office as a compromise measure until a branch mint could be established during the next session of Congress. Augustus Humbert was appointed assayer of gold in 1851, and he contracted with Moffat & Co. to produce the first territorial gold coinage accepted by the U.S. Custom House.

Formally known as an ingot, this massive fifty dollar gold slug represents the first emission by Augustus Humbert and the United States Assay Office. Designed by renowned sculptor and medalist Charles Cushing Wright, the obverse features an eagle on a rock with a shield and arrows, and a scroll in its beak inscribed LIBERTY. The fineness, 880 THOUS. appears above, the denomination, 50 D C, below and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around. The reverse exhibits intricate engine turning, and the edge reads: AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATE ASSAYER OF GOLD, CALIFORNIA 1851.

Donald Kagin wrote in Private Gold Coins and Patterns of the United States: "Many numismatists feel that since this provisional mint operated very much like a regular U.S. branch mint, that their issues should be considered regular U.S. coinage." Today, these iconic octagonal fifties are ranked among the 100 Greatest U.S. Coins, taking 60th place ahead of such other notable rarities as the 1854-S half eagle and the 1927-D twenty dollar.

Profound reddish-gold color dominates this nearly Uncirculated offering. The obverse fields maintain semiprooflike reflectivity, while the devices showcase razor-sharp detail and virtually imperceptible friction. The engine turning is similarly well-defined. Small marks appear mostly around the borders, but none pose any significant distraction. Many of these enormous ingots were melted after the opening of the San Francisco Mint in April 1854. Few inaugural-issue coins survive, and those that do often show considerable wear. This is a phenomenal opportunity to obtain a classic Gold Rush souvenir in exceptionally nice condition. Listed on page 401 of the 2020 Guide Book.

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# ANH3, PCGS# 10196, Greysheet# 11780)

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