1851 "880" $50 RE Augustus Humbert MS (PCGS#10211)
The June 2011 Baltimore Auction
- Auctioneer
- Stack's Bowers
- Lot Number
- 9147
- Grade
- AU55
- Price
- 57,500
- Lot Description
- 1851 Augustus Humbert $50 Gold. Reeded Edge. K-5. Rarity-5-. 880 THOUS., Target Reverse. AU-55 (PCGS). 1855-C Gold Dollar. Type II. Winter Variety 1 (9-K), the only known dies. AU-50 (PCGS). While looking at this coin this cataloger (Jeff Ambio) could not help but imagine the frustration and difficulty that a collector must certainly experience if they tried to locate a better preserved and more attractive example of this Humbert fifty-dollar gold type. Imagine a Humbert slug with overall smooth, minimally marked edges. Imagine also a Humbert slug with an above average strike that is boldly executed both in the center of the obverse and around the periphery on the same side of the coin. And then imagine a Humbert slug with virtually original, problem free surfaces. An example that possesses all of these qualities, as here, truly represents a once in a lifetime buying opportunity for the advanced territorial gold collector.<br /> To elaborate on the aforementioned characteristics, this coin is exceptionally well preserved around the edges with none of the deep, detracting bumps, bruises and nicks often associated with the type. A few extremely minor planchet flaws (as made) are discernible in those areas, but they are easily overlooked and mentioned here solely for accuracy. Surface abrasions are minor, and most are so small as to be singularly inconspicuous to the eye. Boldly struck from the rims to the centers, even the entire legend around the obverse periphery is readily evident, if not sharp. Attractively toned in a rich khaki-orange color, and seemingly earmarked for inclusion in an advanced collection of California pioneer gold.
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