$100 Million Collection Replica - 1851 $50 Humbert

A Classic American Treasure from the Gold Fields of California

The California Gold Rush which started in 1848 created a very special problem for the massive influx of people who streamed west into the California territory. Newly-panned Gold dust was abundant, but there was a serious lack of coins to conduct normal business transactions. While many saloons and dry goods stores resorted to accepting "pinches" of Gold dust, a more practical solution was needed quickly. To help solve the problem, a United States Assay Office was created in 1851 in San Francisco under the direction of Augustus Humbert. He contracted with a firm called Moffat & Co. to produce massive $50 coins (which were legally ingots) with a very distinctive octagonal shape, each containing nearly 2.75 troy ounces of pure gold. Known today as "slugs", the relatively few surviving examples always fetch top dollar when they appear at auction. A unique proof example sold for $500,000 in 1980, and a recent auction saw a non-proof specimen sell for over $450,000! The Humbert $50 Octagonal Gold Slug is prominently featured in the best selling book 100 Greatest U.S. Coins. The design of the original shows an Eagle on a rock, clutching a shield, a bundle of arrows, and an olive branch. The Eagle holds a scroll in its beak that states the fineness of the coin ("887 Thous" - meaning .887 pure.) The words "United States of America" surround the Eagle. The reverse is one of the most unique designs in US coinage. This engine-turned design features an intricate and elaborate pattern of overlapping arcs which form a dramatic sunburst pattern. (Our 24 karat Golden Replica also features the word "Copy" struck in the center as mandated by Federal law.)

Now, for the first time, Collectible America is proud to offer this national treasure as a 10 mil 24 karat Golden Proof. Struck in one ounce of brass and then lavishly-layered in 10 mils of 24 karat Gold, the 1851 Humbert $50 Octagonal Golden Proof features intricately hand-sculpted details and gleaming cameo frosted proof surfaces. It is a true masterpiece of proof minting befitting a US Gold Treasure! Each 1851 Humbert $50 Octagonal Golden Proof is accompanied by a fascinating story card revealing its legacy and lore.

10 mil 24 karat Golden Proof Edition

Now, for the first time, Collectible America is proud to offer this national treasure as a 10 mil 24 karat Golden Proof. Struck in one ounce of brass and then lavishly-layered in 10 mils of 24 karat Gold, the 1851 Humbert $50 Octagonal Golden Proof features intricately hand-sculpted details and gleaming cameo frosted proof surfaces. It is a true masterpiece of proof minting befitting a US Gold Treasure! Each 1851 Humbert $50 Octagonal Golden Proof is accompanied by a fascinating story card revealing its legacy and lore.

• Weight: 1 Troy Ounce
• Diameter: 39mm
• Composition: Base Metal layered in 100 mil Silver and 10 mil of 24k gold

$100 Million American Gold Classics Collection

This 1851 Humbert $50 Octagonal Golden Proof is actually part of a complete 24-proof collection called the $100 Million American Gold Classics Collection which represent the absolute ULTIMATE dream collection of US Gold!! Here's your chance to experience all the beauty and history of this classic American gold treasure in hand-sculpted, proof-struck golden replicas minted under Federal Law 16CFR304.