1852 "887" $50 RE Augustus Humbert MS(PCGS#10217)

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

拍卖行

Stack's Bowers

批号

3491

等级

AU53

价格

308,479

详细说明

A bright, lustrous and frosty About Uncirculated example that retains much of the original mint finish. The color is a pleasing shade of deep honey-olive that provides additional eye appeal, as do hints of overlying pinkish-rose iridescence. Well struck with the date discernible and much of the peripheral legend legible, softness to the high points of the eagle and in other areas is typical of the type and hardly of concern. The rims have a few minor bruises, also typical of the type, but there are only a few surface marks that come readily to the fore.<p>Issued by Augustus Humbert when he was United States assayer of gold in California, which is plainly noted on the coin, these large "slugs" circulated freely owing to the accuracy of their gold content - $50 dollars from Humbert was good for $50 anywhere in gold country. The present variety is the only 1852-dated $50 piece issued by Augustus Humbert, though he issued numerous types and varieties with the 1851 date. Similar pieces dated 1852 were issued by the United States Assay Office of Gold while under the auspices of Curtis, Perry, and Ward after the firm of Moffat & Co. was dissolved. From the total number struck only a small number survive, perhaps 200 or so, with many showing extensive problems as these massive coins were prone to edge dents from even casual handling. Finding an example with abundant eye appeal and attractive surfaces is quite a challenge; the offered coin certainly a desirable representative of this cherished territorial gold issue.