1853 United States Assay Office of Gold $10. K-16. Rarity-6-. 900 THOUS. AU-55 (NGC). A superior example of this rare issue with vibrant lemon-yellow coloration across both sides. The surfaces display a satiny and finely-granular texture, with considerable luster glowing form the protected areas. Well struck with sharp denticles and no individually distracting abrasions. <p>Among the most important private minters from the California Gold Rush, the U.S. Assay Office of Gold is a direct predecessor to the San Francisco Mint. Upon the dissolution of Moffat & Co. on February 14, 1852, John Little Moffats three former partners, Joseph R. Curtis, Philo H. Perry and Samuel H. Ward, formed the United States Assay Office of Gold. The new firm under Curtis, Perry and Ward immediately assumed the government contract to act as its official assay office, with Augustus Humbert continuing in his capacity as United States assayer. In both 1852 and 1853, the United States Assay Office of Gold issued $10 and $20 coins to help meet the commercial needs of Gold Rush California. Local merchants and bankers even petitioned the firm for an issue of $5 coins in April of 1852, although to no avail. The United States Assay Office of Gold ceased operations on December 14, 1853, in anticipation of the opening of the San Francisco Mint. In fact, the firm supplied both the building and machinery for the new United States branch mint, its location on Commercial Street near Montgomery being the site were the San Francisco Mint struck its first Liberty double eagles on April 15, 1854.<p>The firms 1853 $20 gold coin of the K-2, 900 THOUS. variety is the United States Assay Office of Golds most frequently encountered type in todays market, so much so that more casual collectors are apt to overlook the other, far scarcer coins of this issuer like the 1853 900 THOUS. $10, offered here. Produced in March and April of 1853, survivors of this issue are few in number and usually appear at auction only infrequently. An important highlight of this sale, this coin is sure to elicit strong bids from advanced territorial gold collectors and California Gold Rush enthusiasts alike.<p>
