1852 Augustus Humbert Gold Eagle

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,057,500 MS68 04-24-2013 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1852 Augustus Humbert ten-dollar eagle without the overdate represents the standard production issue for this denomination. Unlike the 1852/1 overdate, this piece was struck from a freshly prepared die with the date 1852 punched cleanly. The design follows the established format with a Liberty Head obverse and heraldic eagle reverse. The piece was struck at.884 fineness. By 1852, Humbert’s eagles had become a trusted medium of exchange throughout California’s commercial network. The ten-dollar denomination was particularly useful for moderate-value transactions such as weekly wages and provisions purchases.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. More available than the 1852/1 overdate but still a significant territorial gold rarity. Approximately 75-120 examples are known.

Cross References

K-11a (Kagin); PCGS #10187; NGC #31097; Augustus Humbert, U.S. Assay Office, San Francisco