5744

1852 $50 Assay Office Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. AU50 NG

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:2,200.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
1852 $50 Assay Office Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. AU50 NG
<B>1852<$50> Assay Office Fifty Dollar, 887 Thous. AU50 NGC.</B></I> K-13, R.5. This is a representative of the third issue of fifty dollar gold slugs or ingots, as they were properly named. Now dated 1852, the outer obverse inscription has been revised: UNITED STATES ASSAY OFFICE OF GOLD SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA. Humbert's name no longer appears on these pieces, and the Assay Office was no longer associated with Moffat, now being operated by Curtis, Perry, and Ward. Their association with Moffat was dissolved on February 14, 1852. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Corwin, Joseph Curtis petitioned for the firm to continue their service to the Government. It seems that Moffat enjoyed other activities to the neglect of the Assay Office. One of his other pursuits was the activity of mining, in apparent violation of the government contract. The newly organized firm moved to larger offices located at 608 Commercial Street, near the intersection with Montgomery Street. These new facilities afforded the firm an opportunity to reduce its commission. All seemed to be well with the new organization and the new issue.<BR> This is a splendid and desirable example with bright yellow color and hints of orange toning in places along the edge. Slight wear is visible on the highpoints, with generally sharp design elements. The surfaces are pleasing and smooth with few abrasions of any sort, although a few small rim bruises and scrapes are evident. Listed on page 351 of the 2007 <I>Guide Book.</B></I><BR><I>From The Long Beach Family Collection.</B></I>