1852 United States Assay Office of Gold $10. K-12a(2). Rarity-5. 884 THOUS. AU-50 (PCGS).，This is a remarkably attractive example in a lightly circulated $10 gold coin from Gold Rush California. Bathed in warm olive-gold patina, both sides also reveal subtle rose highlights in isolated areas. The in hand appearance is smooth as far as sizeable or otherwise individually mentionable marks are concerned. Sharply struck for the type, we note considerable boldness of detail to the central obverse high points despite light rub to those features that does little more than define the grade. Upon the retirement of John Little Moffat in February, 1852, the firm of Moffat & Co. dissolved and its contract to issues gold ingots and coins on behalf of the federal government was taken over by a successor firm known as the United States Assay of Gold. Principals in the new firm were Joseph R. Curtis, Philo H. Perry and Samuel H. Ward, all of which had been partners of John Little Moffat. The present example represents the most frequently encountered variety of the firms two $10 gold issues from 1852 and 1853, although in an absolute sense K-12a(2) is scarce in lower grades and rare in problem free AU and Mint State. A find for the discerning territorial gold enthusiast that is sure to see spirited bidding at auction.，PCGS# 10001. NGC ID: ANGV.，，From Alexander Collection. Collector envelope included.
