1851 $50 Humbert .880 Reeded Edge NGC AU50

Introduction

The 1851 $50 Humbert .880 Reeded Edge graded NGC AU50 is an iconic piece of California Gold Rush coinage. Produced under Augustus Humbert, United States Assayer of Gold, this massive octagonal $50 piece served the urgent need for reliable high-value gold currency in early 1850s California. This example is the Kagin-5 variety, distinguished by its .880 fineness, reeded edge, and Target Reverse.

History

During the California Gold Rush, large quantities of newly mined gold created an immediate need for trusted forms of currency. Augustus Humbert was appointed United States Assayer of Gold and worked with the United States Assay Office of Gold in San Francisco to produce pieces of standardized weight and fineness for commerce.

The octagonal $50 Humbert pieces became some of the most distinctive forms of Gold Rush-era coinage. The 1851 .880 Reeded Edge issue introduced a more efficient production method than earlier versions. The date, fineness, denomination, and assayer information were incorporated into the obverse die. A reeded edge also replaced the individually applied edge lettering found on earlier issues.

Cataloged as Kagin-5, this variety features .880 fineness, a reeded edge, and the distinctive Target Reverse. Graded AU50 by NGC, this example retains substantial design detail with light evidence of circulation consistent with the About Uncirculated grade.

Design

The obverse features an eagle with a shield and scroll at the center. Surrounding inscriptions identify Augustus Humbert as UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA and include the date 1851, denomination FIFTY DOLLS., and fineness 880 THOUS.

The reverse features an intricate engine-turned pattern arranged in concentric geometric bands. The distinctive octagonal format and reeded edge further distinguish this issue from conventional federal coinage of the period.