1852 Humbert Gold $50 RE (1852 Humbert $50 RE Gold), PCGS Genuine. This genuine reeded edge 1852 Humbert Fifty Dollar slug shows traces of bright mint luster within the devices of its lightly tooled surface. It also shows light abrasion and wear that would be consistent with an AU grade. The reverse shows scratches in the center within the target. All of the legends are clear and easy to read.

The obverse, designed by Charles C. Wright, shows an eagle with wings spread partially behind a rock and shield. Behind one wing and in front of the other is a serpent, which is inscribed LIBERTY. Above the eagle is a banner with the legend 887 THOUS, which is the fineness of the gold. The design is encircled with the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with FIFTY DOLLARS below. A circle of beads surrounds this inscription. On the outside of the beads is another inscription AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA with the date below. The slug, also called a quintuple eagle and a five-eagle piece, had a target reverse designed by Augustus Humbert.

After the discovery of gold in California, the lack of a standard for assaying and converting oar and dust into coinage led the government to allow Humbert to operate an official assay office in San Francisco. In effect it was a provisional branch mint. Its existence was opposed by bankers who could no longer buy gold dust for six to eight dollars per ounce because Humbert paid sixteen dollars per ounce with a small deduction for manufacturing charges.

All Humbert $50.00 gold slugs are rare. In its population report, PCGS shows a total of only 146 pieces in all grades.