1852 Augustus Humbert $50. Reeded Edge. K-11. Rarity-5. 887 THOUS., Target Reverse. Gold S.S. Central America Label. Fine-15 (PCGS).
It is a rare event, indeed, when we can present multiple examples of this scarce, historically significant and highly desirable California Gold Rush issue in the same sale. This well circulated survivor retains plenty of bold detail in the center of the obverse and throughout the target design on the reverse. On the former side, the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and denomination FIFTY DOLLS. are fully legible, 887 THOUS. on the label is discernible, and half of the eagle's wing feathers are crisp. The obverse periphery is soft, as one should expect for a Fine example of this type. The date has been lost to commercial use, but a few letters in the peripheral inscription are discernible, including much of the word ASSAYER. The surfaces are moderately bright medium gold from expert conservation after recovery from the sea floor. Faint traces of luster persist in the more protected areas of the design, this despite scattered handling marks from normal commercial use. The rims are uncommonly smooth for the type, and few of the abrasions are readily evident on their own. For the assigned grade, this is about as nice of a Humbert "slug" as one could hope to find. It would do equally well in a Territorial gold cabinet or specialized collection of shipwreck treasure. This lot includes the book-type presentation case and Certificate of Authenticity signed by Tommy Thompson of the Columbus-America Discovery Group, as distributed with the coin after salvage. The support items are available to the winning bidder upon request to Stack's Bowers Galleries at the close of the auction .
PCGS# 10217.
From the Madrone Collection. Ex S.S. Central America.