1852 California Gold $50 - "887" $50 "Assayer" Inverted

Coin Details

Description

The 1852 U.S. Assay Office fifty-dollar piece with 887 fineness and inverted ASSAYER inscription is a major die error variety. After Augustus Humbert’s operation was formally reorganized as the U.S. Assay Office, the institutional name replaced Humbert’s personal identification on the coinage. During die preparation, the ASSAYER punch was applied inverted, creating a collectible error. The octagonal format and engine-turned reverse pattern continue the Humbert slug tradition, but the obverse inscription now reads U.S. ASSAY OFFICE OF GOLD rather than naming Augustus Humbert personally. This institutional branding reflected the transition from a personal appointment to a permanent federal facility. The inverted inscription error adds significant numismatic interest to an already rare territorial gold issue. Die errors on any territorial gold coinage are extremely uncommon due to the small production runs and personal oversight typical of these operations.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. The inverted ASSAYER variety is known in very few examples and commands substantial premiums.

Cross References

PCGS #10017; NGC #31328; U.S. Assay Office of Gold, San Francisco; inverted ASSAYER error