1851 "887" $50 RE Augustus Humbert MS(PCGS#10214)

1851 "887" $50 RE Augustus Humbert MS (PCGS#10214)

The September 2011 Philadelphia Americana Sale

详细说明: 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold. Reeded Edge. K-6. Rarity-4. 887 THOUS. Target Reverse. AU-53 (NGC). A lovely example of this impressive and popular territorial issue. Decent luster remains on both sides. Nicely struck with nearly full execution of the peripheral obverse legend, as well as good execution of the engine turned element around the outer reverse that is often softly defined. Only trivial edge marks are seen, which is a welcomed change from the unsightly heavy bumps that often plague these large, heavy and soft coins. Close inspection of the obverse reveals evidence of a rather heavily rusted die.<br /> This is the largest denomination that ever circulated in the United States, and the coins of both Augustus Humbert and the United States Assay Office of Gold have long enjoyed a special appeal for their ties not only to the times and unique economic needs of the California Gold Rush, but also to the formation of the Branch Mint at San Francisco that, by 1854, the United States Assay Office of Gold had developed into. Beyond these factors, the size and heft of these large gold coins alone is striking enough to drive considerable interest. Historic, attractive and very much in demand.