NGC 25th Anniversary Display ** 2012 FUN SHOW EXHIBIT **
1851 FIFTY DOLLARS
AUGUSTUS HUMBERT
REEDED EDGE – “880 THOUS.”
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
PRIVATE & TERRITORIAL GOLD COINAGE |
| Item Description: |
$50 1851 "880" REEDED AUGUSTUS HUMBERT |
| Full Grade: |
NGC MS 65 |
| Owner: |
NGC EXHIBIT |
Owner Comments:
In place of the branch mint desired by Californians for San Francisco, they received a federal assay office manned by Augustus Humbert, who coined these gold “ingots” valued at $50. Of course, the pieces readily circulated as coins, despite their peculiar octagonal shape. The dies were by Albert Küner after models by Charles Cushing Wright. This variety has a gold fineness of .800, one of several standards employed at different times. The so-called “target” reverse design proved prophetic, as these large and heavy coins were a target for heavy gashes and dents. Nice examples are rare, and this glorious gem is the finest certified by NGC.