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California. 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Kagin-6. 887 THOUS. Target Reverse. Octagonal. Reeded Edge. R

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:50,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
California. 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Kagin-6. 887 THOUS. Target Reverse. Octagonal. Reeded Edge. R
SOLD
75,000.00USD+ buyer's premium (15,000.00)
This item SOLD at 2020 Feb 27 @ 21:13UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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California. 1851 Augustus Humbert $50. Kagin-6. 887 THOUS. Target Reverse. Octagonal. Reeded Edge. Rarity-4. MS-61 NGC.

The deep golden surfaces offer warm orange-gold highlights among the devices, and a pale olive warmth engages both sides. Choice for the grade with soft but lively luster. Some central striking weakness is noted in the eagle’s details; such is often the case for this ever-popular variety. Indeed, many great Pioneer Gold collections began their exciting journey with an attractive example of Kagin-6 such as offered here. In a political compromise between the powerful Pennsylvania and New York delegations pitted against the new state of California, a U.S. Assay Office rather than a U.S. branch mint, was authorized for San Francisco by Congress. In February, 1851, the newly appointed U.S. Assayer, Augustus Humbert came to San Francisco with dies for (only) an Octagonal $50 gold piece to be struck under contract with the most respected of all private coiners, Moffat & Co. They two-and-a-half-ounce gold “slugs” circulated as if they were legal tender being accepted for all federal taxes and duties. They were also extensively used in large commercial trade and gambling houses.
Tens of thousands were struck in 1851 and 1852 and although most have been melted due to their high gold value, probably a few thousand still exist. Their size—they are our country’s largest denomination—shape—only the 1915 Pan-Pacific commemoratives featured $50 octagonal coinage—, impressive features including a large obverse spread eagle, and historical import, have made these large “adobes” the most popular of all Pioneer gold coins.
Only a couple of (large) handfuls exist in Mint State so we expect there to be much competition for this coin that epitomizes the California Gold Rush and the Wild West.

NGC Census: 8; 12 finer (MS-65 finest).
NGC UID ANH9

Grading Company: NGC MS61

Pedigree/Collection: