LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 (ANA) Signature Coin Auction #444  / 

2114

1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:38,750.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous.
<B>1851 $50 RE Humbert Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. AU50 NGC.</B></I> K-7, R.7 (?). This is an example of the very rare K-7 Kagin variety, featuring the Obverse of 1851 with 887 THOUS. combined with the Reverse of 1852. While the earliest Humbert issues had the fineness incuse on the coins by hand-stamping onto the scroll above the eagle using three separate number punches--a tedious process at best--by the time the K-7 variety was produced, the fineness was incused into the die and raised on the coin, and of course the denomination FIFTY DOLLS. was also impressed into the obverse die. This is but one of many improvements that the various principals in the Humbert-Moffat-U.S. Assay Office operation introduced to meet the intense demand for circulating gold coinage that was properly assayed, accepted in the marketplace and acceptable as well for customs and tariff duties.<BR> The differences in the Kagin-6 (Reverse of 1851) and Kagin-7 varieties are subtle to the uninitiated, but the present consignment, of course, allows us more easily to compare and contrast the identifying characteristics. The Reverse of 1851 has a much larger ring of concentric circles that resembles a bull's-eye or target, while the Reverse of 1852 has a smaller ring in the center. The ribbon band that runs along the edge is much closer to the physical rim of the coin on the Reverse of 1851 than on the Reverse of 1852, where it is visibly removed from the edge. It appears that the reverse was changed, likely late in the year, and the obverse die continued in service for some time before the new 1852-dated obverse was pressed into service, creating this extremely rare variety.<BR> The present example offers pleasing amber-gold surfaces that show just light evidence of circulation and no major distractions, although the NGC encapsulation is considerably the worse for wear. Listed on page 353 of the 2008 <I>Guide Book.<BR>From The Pacific Rim Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Coins & Currency (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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