1852 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-11. Rarity-5. 887 THOUS., Target Reverse. AU-50 (NGC).This is a handsome and highly desirable example of a perennially popular California Gold Rush issue. Bright yellow gold patina dominates the surfaces while olive tones at the peripheries and deeper gold around the devices add depth and visual interest. Both sides are uncommonly well defined for a lightly circulated survivor of this challenging type; the date is clear and the peripheral inscription, while typically weak in isolated areas, is near-fully legible. Light scattered handling marks are commensurate with the type, but the rims are surprisingly free of the bumps and bruises that typically plague the issue. 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.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 coin offered here a highly desirable representative of this cherished Territorial gold issue.
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