9010

Most Californians were not satisfied with private gold coiners or even the short-lived State Assay O

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:458.00 - 609.00 USD
Most Californians were not satisfied with private gold coiners or even the short-lived State Assay O
Most Californians were not satisfied with private gold coiners or even the short-lived State Assay Office and demanded a United States branch mint, which could after all make legal tender coins. Throughout 1849 and 1850, several proposals were introduced in the California Legislature and United States Congress providing for the establishment of a branch mint in California. A compromise bill was passed on September 30,1850, providing for a United States Assay Office to be established in San Francisco. This Office would have the authority to assay gold and stamp it with an appropriate seal to show its value, and its products would be accepted for all customs duties. Moffat & Company was given the contract for coining the new issues and Augustus Humbert, a watchmaker in New York, was appointed U.S. Assayer. All other private coiners ceased operation in 1851, but when it was realized that only the cumbersome $50 gold "slugs" were being struck, Moffat & Company as well as other private coiners began to issue their own $10 and $20 coins a year later. Finally, in February 1852 the Assay Office was authorized to issue lower denominations, which they did until the establishment of the new branch mint in 1854. The 1853 issues are among the most prolific of all private gold coins.1852/1 $10 Humbert Ten Dollar XF40 PCGS. K-8, High R.5. Throughout 1851, the economic situation in Gold Rush California continued to worsen as the public tried desperately to make transactions using the large, bulky Fifty Dollar slugs. By the spring of that year, the slugs were being discounted by 3 percent in transactions, and, since negative press had put most of the private mints out of business, there were no alternatives to be had in the channels of commerce. On December 9, 1851, acting Secretary of the Treasury William L. Hodge finally authorized the United States Assay Office (under Moffat & Company, with Augustus Humbert as assayer) to produce gold coins in denominations smaller than Fifty Dollars. Although dies were apparently prepared, permission was rescinded the following day, and it was not until February 12 of the following year that permission was again granted. But by this time, John Little Moffat had left the firm and his three partners Curtis, Perry and Ward reorganized the Assay Office under their management. The United States Assay Office prepared at least one 1851-dated obverse die for projected production of Ten Dollar gold coins at the end of that year. When permission was rescinded almost immediately, this die was retained and subsequently "corrected" for 1852-dated production. A survivor from this obverse die, the present coin displays light orange and silver-gold hues with the number of abrasions one would typically expect for a coin of this grade. There is some luster still in evidence, as well as bold overall definition. The reverse die was mated with the 1852/1 obverse and all survivors show a pronounced die crack on the reverse, a feature that is readily evident on the present example. These pieces were only struck for four days, from February 11 through 14, 1852. Listed on page 290 of the 2002 Guide Book.From The Estate of Jack L. Klausen. Important notice: We expect to be auctioning lots at the rate of 200-250 per hour. Sometimes eBay Premier live bid software cannot keep up with that pace, so we strongly recommend that you place a realistic proxy bid now as insurance to avoid disappointment. Also please note that all Heritage/CAA lots purchased through eBay Premier carry a 20% Buyer's Premium. Please make sure you read the Terms and Conditions.