5769

1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. AU55 NGC.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. AU55 NGC.
<B>1851<$50 RE> Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. AU55 NGC.</B></I> K-5, R-5-. The second issue of fifty dollar slugs retained the principal design with the eagle and shield motif at the center of the obverse, the legend around, and the denomination below, but now all of these aspects were included in the obverse die. The edge was now reeded, and the former edge lettering was moved to the outer border on the obverse. Augustus Humbert served as the U.S. Assayer in California under the eye of Moffat & Co., which operated the federal facility, although all was still not well. The firm charged a 2.75% seigniorage for coinage. Some felt that this was an excessive charge, although these same people failed to consider the increased price for gold at the time.<BR> This is a lovely example with light yellow-gold surfaces and hints of orange toning around the devices. The highpoints exhibit light wear, and the surfaces have the usual minor abrasions. A few light hairlines suggest that this piece was cleaned at one time, long ago. These imperfections are clearly of no significance today. The outer legend is rather boldly defined and sharper than usually seen. Listed on page 349 of the 2007 <I>Guide Book.</B></I> Census: 7 in 55, 20 finer (7/06).<BR><I>From The Long Beach Family Collection.</B></I>