1851 California Gold $50 - $50 LE Humbert 880 Rays

Coin Details

Auction Record

$66,125 AU 02-07-2006 Goldberg Auctioneers

Description

The 1851 Humbert fifty-dollar piece with 880 fineness, lettered edge, and rays on the reverse is among the most visually distinctive varieties in the Humbert slug series. The addition of radiating rays to the engine-turned reverse pattern created a sunburst effect enhancing the already elaborate design. The rays emanate from the central engine-turned pattern, adding visual complexity not found on standard reverse designs. Whether intended as anti-counterfeiting, decoration, or an experimental design that was discontinued remains debated among numismatists. The 880 fineness with rays represents one of the earliest configurations, combining the initial gold purity level with this unique reverse embellishment. The subsequent transition to non-ray reverses means the rays variety occupies a narrow window in production history.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The rays variety is one of the scarcest Humbert slug varieties. Fewer than 20 examples are believed known.

Cross References

K-5a (Kagin); PCGS #10202; NGC #31221; Augustus Humbert, U.S. Assay Office; rays reverse variety