Lot 767
1851 U.S. Assay Office $50 "slug", 887 THOUS. Lettered edge, 50 on reverse. PCGS graded AU-55. These were struck by the provisional Mint or United States Assay Office. Thus their status is that of a regular issue coin and should be collected as such. Very popular lettered edge variety, and one of the earlier gold coins struck during the California Gold Rush. The obverse depicts an eagle standing on a rock within a beaded circle, his head to the right, his right talon is clutching a shield and arrows. Above the eagle is a small raised ribbon with the fineness of 887 THOUS noted, above that in large letters states UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and at the base is 50 D C (for Dollars/cents if needed for overweight coins). The reverse has a simple engine turned design with a small central circle which holds the number 50, with a ribbon border surrounding. The edge of the coin was hand stamped at the octagonal straight portions with AUGUST HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA 1851. Some luster still evident, with excellent surfaces and outstanding eye appeal for one of these early, large coins. Traces of deeper coppery-gold toning accents the devices, and this is one of the finer examples to survive from this most important era of the California Gold Rush.Pop 6; 10 finer, 3 in 58, 5 in 61, 2 in 62. (PCGS # 10208) Estimated Value $120,000 - UP
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