Tag: 1851

1851 Humbert $50 PCGS MS63

Sirhc

Spectacular Choice Unc.

Lettered edge, 880 Thous. The octagonal ingots or “slugs” first produced in 1851 by the firm of Moffat & Co., operating as the United State Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco, rank among the most iconic coins ever issued in this country. Octagonal fifties were struck in 1851 and 1852 only. Several varieties exist, including those in 880 and 887 pure gold, with lettered and reeded edges, and with and without 50 at the central reverse, among other differences. The vast majority of survivors of these and similar Humbert fifties are found in grades ranging from VF to high AU. Mint State examples are significantly rarer. The PCGS population is only 2 with 2 higher, the latter both being MS63+ representatives. This particular example is highly lustrous and features a flashy, semi-prooflike obverse.

Offered at $302,500 delivered

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you. Give us a call for price indications and to lock trades.

(800) 257.3253
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST M-F
Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check.
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.

1851 “887” Reeded Humbert $50 NGC XF45

Sirhc

An Eight-Sided Offering

Augustus Humbert was U.S. Assayer in San Francisco and operated his firm under Moffat & Co. as the provisional mint years before the San Francisco mint officially opened. There are two variants of the 1851 887 Thous. reeded edge fifties, differing in the placement of the outer concentric circle on the reverse relative to the rim. In spite of their large size (nicknamed “slugs”), these pieces traded hands frequently in Gold Rush California. They were one of the few forms of gold whose stated value could be trusted. When viewed in hand, the coin is lighter (in hue, not weight!) than seen in our images.

Offered at $40,250 delivered

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you. Give us a call for price indications and to lock trades.

(800) 257.3253
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST M-F
Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check.
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.

1851 Humbert $50 Variety Pair NGC MS61

Sirhc

Who Wants to Get “Slugged”?

To begin with, the importance of the 1851 $50 gold coins can scarcely be overemphasized. Ask any advanced collector of Territorial gold to name the most significant and memorable coinage design from the early California Gold Rush period, and the Humbert-U.S. Assay Office octagonal $50’s will likely be the first named. For many years, the 1851-52 Humbert-Assay Office fifties remained the only large octagonal gold coins struck under the auspices of the United States (in this case – provisional) Mint.  Although later, California private coiners struck round $50 coins. The importance of these coins is such that even well-circulated examples are bid up to high levels by enthusiasts eager to lay hands on these colorful mementos of the Wild West, the Gold Rush, and the famous “Forty-Niners” who rushed to seek their fortunes in the fields of gold in 1848-49.

  • 1851 “880” No “50’ Humbert $50
  • Offered at $155,000 delivered
  • 1851 “887” Reeded Edge Humbert $50
  • Offered at $120,000

Or buy the pair for $270,000

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you. Give us a call for price indications and to lock trades.

(800) 257.3253
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST M-F
Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check.
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.

1851 “887” Reeded Edge Humbert $50 NGC MS61

Sirhc

Very Rare (and Heavy)

The importance of the 1851 $50 gold coins can scarcely be overemphasized. Ask any advanced collector of Territorial gold to name the most significant and memorable coinage design from the early California Gold Rush period, and the Humbert-U.S. Assay Office octagonal fifty dollars will likely be the first named. Until the commemorative Panama-Pacific fifty dollar pieces of 1915, the 1851-52 Humbert-Assay Office fifties remained the only large octagonal gold coins struck under the auspices of the United States Mint (the Assay Office was a provisional government mint), although later California private coiners struck round fifty dollar coins (Kellogg in 1854-55 and Wass, Molitor in 1855). The NGC population is only 8 with 12 higher.

Offered at $126,500 delivered

We do business the old fashioned way, we speak with you.

(800) 257.3253
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST M-F
Private, Portable, Divisible Wealth Storage

Price is based on payment via ACH, Bank Wire Transfer or Personal Check.
Major Credit Cards Accepted, add 3.5%
Offer subject to availability.