1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-5. Rarity-5-. 880 THOUS., Target Reverse. VF Details--Rim Damage (PCGS). A charming and desirable survivor from this impressive issue. The pale golden-wheat patina is complemented by richer honey hues in the protected areas. Several old rim bruises are noted at the corners, though these are typical of the issue and are well worn into the complexion.The Kagin 5 Humbert $50 slug is a somewhat rarer variety of the 1851 Target Reverse coins. Many of these lower fineness pieces ended up in the melting pots after August of 1852, when an unexpected piece of legislation prohibited customs payments from being made with gold that is less than the federal standard in purity. Curtis, Perry and Ward, who ran the United States Assay Office of Gold after Humbert left, coined many of the later 0.900 fine 1852 slugs using gold from these earlier pieces. Rare as a type and always impressive when seen, a more than presentable example of an always popular Territorial type.
