10458

1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. MS61

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:39,500.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. MS61
<B>1851<$50 RE> Humbert Fifty Dollar, 880 Thous. MS61 NGC.</B></I> K-5, Low R.5. This lower fineness "slug" shows the semi-official status of this issue and the importance of Augustus Humbert in the production of gold coinage in Gold Rush California. The central device, of course, is an eagle with outstretched wings, above is 880 THOUS on a scroll, which is in turn surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIFTY DOLLS. A beaded border encircles the central devices, and outside the border is AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA / 1851. The reverse has the usual engine turned device of concentric circles.<BR> The United States Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco essentially operated as a provisional United States mint in California prior to the opening and operations of the official branch mint three years later. Augustus Humbert, who served as assayer for the United States, came to the west coast from New York where he was a watchmaker. Humbert was appointed the assayer of the USAOG at a salary "not to exceed five thousand dollars" and arrived in San Francisco early in January 1851. He returned to New York in 1860 where he lived there for several years until his death on June 7, 1873 at the age of 58.<BR> This is an exceptionally well preserved Humbert "slug." The green-gold surfaces display excellent mint luster and there are numerous, small abrasions scattered over the obverse that account for the lower Mint State grade. Well, but not completely struck up, with the usual softness at the top of the shield and on the peripheral obverse legends. The high intrinsic value of these pieces conspired against their survival in any grade because of the dire need for coined gold in San Francisco in the 1850s. Additionally, very few have remained in strong hands over the past 150+ years in high grades. This is an unusual opportunity for the territorial specialist to acquire this key issue in Uncirculated condition. Listed on page 296 of the 2005 <I>Guide Book.</B></I> Population: 4 in 61, 4 finer (6/05).