1851 $50 Humbert. 880 THOUS. NCS XF Details. Moderately repaired; 1851 $50 Humbert .880 THOUS. No 50 (K-5, R-5) NCS XF Details (Repaired, Whizzed). Despite the description of this coin on its holder, it actually has ample detail remaining on both sides. Only moderately repaired, it serves as a relatively affordable example of these large and impressive slugs, a collectors favorite from the gold rush era of California. Containing an impressive 2.5 ounce of gold, the octagonal form serves as one of the most recognizable of all American gold coins. With problem-free coins become increasingly difficult to find and costing several multiples of this coin, this is also a very interesting piece for the collector who is interested in obtaining one of these impressive pieces, but is unable to acquire one of the costly coins available in EF and AU grades.

Struck in San Francisco in 1851, these large gold pieces were used extensively in that city and the surrounding areas. In fact, up until 1854, when the San Francisco Mint opened these were often the only coins of any value which were seen in circulation, with additional $5, $10 and $20 gold pieces from private manufactures. However, in some of these historic years, all smaller denominations were unseen in circulation and the only coin that actually circulated were these impressive and large gold pieces, which were struck in relatively high numbers. However, heavy attrition has taken its toll, and now these coins are very rare in any grade.

The present piece is only moderately repaired, and fortunately lacks the marks many of these large pieces have, obtained easily by the soft gold metal. Struck by the United States Assay of Gold when the Branch Mint in San Francisco was not yet established, this is the variety identified by the fineness on the obverse and the lack of the denomination 50 on the reverse. While NCS has graded it as XF Details, we personally grade it higher on the details side with a fair amount of About Uncirculated detail remaining. A great historical coin available at a modest price, act quick to secure this coin for your collection.