1851 "887" $50 RE Augustus Humbert MS(PCGS#10214)

November 2019 Baltimore U.S. Coins Auction

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3223

Grade

VF30

Price

25,200

Lot Description

Historic Augustus Humbert $50 Gold "Slug" Popular California Gold Rush Era Type 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-6. Rarity-4. 887 THOUS., Target Reverse. VF-30 (PCGS). This is a handsome, pleasingly original example with glints of pale pinkish-rose iridescence to dominant deep honey-gold patina. A few light bumps are noted here and there, but all in all the edges are quite smooth for a mid grade survivor of this hefty type. As well, the surfaces are uncommonly free of sizeable abrasions for having seen such extensive commercial use. Indeed, the only marks of note are concentrated in the right obverse field inside the word AMERICA and at the upper reverse border. Peripheral devices are incomplete, typical for a well circulated Augustus Humbert $50, although the date is legible -- if faint -- and the words UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD are bold. The central devices are suitably bold for the grade, allowing ready appreciation of this classic design type from the California Gold Rush era. A thin, shallow obverse planchet flaw in the date area is as made. In sum, this piece offers more than acceptable equality for a scarce and eagerly sought territorial gold issue, and it is sure to find many willing buyers in today's market. PCGS# 10214. Click here for certification details from PCGS.