1851 California Gold $50 - "880" $50 LE Augustus Humbert, "50"

Coin Details

Auction Record

$287,500 MS62 08-09-2007 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1851 Augustus Humbert fifty-dollar gold piece is the “880” fineness variety with lettered edge and the numeral “50” on the reverse. Augustus Humbert was appointed United States Assayer of Gold for California in January 1851, tasked with bringing federal oversight to the chaotic private gold coinage industry. His solution was the legendary octagonal fifty-dollar “slug,” the largest denomination gold coin ever produced under any form of United States authority. The obverse displays a heraldic eagle surrounded by the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA 1851. The reverse features an elaborate engine-turned pattern radiating from the center, with 880 THOUS. Indicating the gold fineness and the numeral 50 confirming the denomination. The lettered edge reads AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD, CALIFORNIA 1851. These massive octagonal pieces weigh approximately 2.6 troy ounces of gold and were intended primarily for large commercial transactions, bank reserves, and export payments. The “880” designation indicates the gold purity at 880 parts per thousand, slightly below the federal standard of 900 fine but reflecting the natural fineness of refined California placer gold. The presence of the “50” numeral on the reverse distinguishes this variety from the earlier No 50 version.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Approximately 75-125 examples survive across all grades. The lettered edge 880 variety with 50 is more available than the No 50 version but remains a significant territorial gold rarity.

Cross References

K-6 (Kagin); PCGS #10199; NGC #31081; Augustus Humbert, U.S. Assay Office, San Francisco