1852 U.S. Assay Office Fifty Dollar - Silver Obverse Restrike

Coin Details

Description

This silver obverse restrike from the U.S. Assay Office fifty-dollar dies is a remarkable off-metal striking that preserves the obverse design of the iconic octagonal slug in a precious but non-gold metal. Silver restrikes from territorial gold dies were produced in very small numbers, typically well after the original production period. The silver composition creates a dramatically different visual appearance compared to the gold originals. The obverse design elements of the eagle and inscriptions can be studied in fine detail on this restrike, which was produced with care as a numismatic presentation piece rather than for circulation. Restrikes from the U.S. Assay Office dies document the continued existence and accessibility of these historic dies well after the San Francisco Mint superseded the Assay Office. They bridge the gap between the operational history of the Assay Office and the collector market that developed for California territorial gold pieces.

Rarity Notes

Extremely rare. Silver restrikes of the fifty-dollar slug dies are known in only a handful of examples.

Cross References

K-1a (Kagin); NGC #31102; U.S. Assay Office, San Francisco; silver obverse restrike