1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-6. Rarity-4. 887 THOUS., Target Reverse. MS-62 (PCGS). CAC. CMQ.

Our multiple offerings in this sale notwithstanding, this large and impressive California Gold Rush era type is a formidable condition rarity in Mint State. The premium BU example highlighted in this lot is exceptionally well preserved with impressively smooth surfaces and virtually undisturbed borders. Striking detail is typically soft at the central obverse high points, as well as around much of the peripheries on both sides, but all major design elements are at least discernible, and otherwise we note bold to sharp definition. Frosty surfaces are bathed in regal deep orange-gold color that delivers outstanding eye appeal. Humbert's numerous gold issues were accepted almost universally across the board in local commerce due to their reasonably accurate gold content - more than one firm's products could not measure up to the purity of the Humbert pieces, and they were eventually put out of business in Gold Rush California as a result. Humbert, a New Yorker and a watch case maker by trade, made such a sterling reputation for himself in the San Francisco region that he was appointed United States assayer. His office was generally regarded by many as a provisional government mint and became "official" under the auspices of the Act of September 30, 1850, which established the federal Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco; this eventually became, after a few years of varied shenanigans, the United States Mint in San Francisco. The Assay Office closed for good in December 1853, in preparation for the new U.S. Mint's activities, though Humbert's "slugs" circulated widely even after the opening of the government money factory. The offered coin is a superior example of an historic and desirable issue, one with as much character as some of the '49ers who no doubt used it in commerce at some point in its history. It is a beautiful, lustrous, absolute and condition rarity with the utmost desirability for the connoisseur.

PCGS# 10214. NGC ID: ANH9.