1852 United States Assay Office of Gold $50. K-13. Rarity-5. 887 THOUS. AU-50 (NGC).This is a handsome and highly desirable example of this perennially popular California Gold Rush issue. Boldly patinated in a blend of khaki-gold and honey-rose patina, both sides are uncommonly well defined for a lightly circulated survivor of this challenging type. The reverse is bold throughout the target design, while the obverse retains relatively sharp detail to the eagle, scroll and central inscription. The date is clear and the peripheral inscription, while typically weak in isolated areas, is near-fully legible. Scattered handling marks are commensurate with the type, as are a few edge bruises. With an overall positive appearance and tremendous historic appeal, this coin is sure to have no difficulty finding its way into a specialized cabinet focused on Territorial gold coinage or the California Gold Rush era. Struck by the United States Assay Office of Gold, successor to Moffat & Co. and essentially a reorganization of that firm under Curtis, Perry and Ward.