1852 California Gold $50 - "1852" (c.1894) $50 K-1b Assay Restrike Brass Uniface Obverse

Coin Details

Description

The '1852' California Gold Fifty Dollar piece designated K-1b is a brass uniface obverse restrike produced circa 1894, approximately four decades after the original California territorial gold era. This piece bears the 1852 date but was actually manufactured in the 1890s using either original dies that had been preserved or reproduction dies created from the originals. The brass composition and uniface striking immediately identify this as a collector-oriented restrike rather than a piece of original territorial coinage. The fifty dollar denomination represents the pinnacle of California territorial gold coinage, as these massive gold slugs were the largest denomination regularly produced by private minters during the Gold Rush era. The original fifty dollar pieces, most famously produced by Augustus Humbert and the United States Assay Office of Gold, were essential for large-scale commercial transactions and gold shipments. Their impressive size and high face value made them objects of fascination even in their own era. The production of restrikes in the 1890s reflects the burgeoning interest in California territorial gold among American coin collectors during the Gilded Age. Brass was chosen as a practical medium for these restrikes, being inexpensive and clearly distinguishable from gold originals. The Kagin catalog designates this as K-1b, distinguishing it from other die states and metal compositions within the restrike series. While not an original Gold Rush artifact, this restrike preserves the design elements of the territorial fifty dollar issue.

Rarity Notes

Rare as a restrike but significantly more available than original gold fifty dollar pieces.

Cross References

PCGS #933831; NGC ID 1099; Kagin K-1b (Assay Restrike, Brass Uniface Obverse, c.1894); related to original California $50 issues by Humbert and U.S. Assay Office