Two NGC-certified Humbert Gold $50 Pieces Each Realize More Than $100,000

An 1851 Augustus Humbert Gold $50 certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) shone in the spotlight at the first session of Kagin’s March American Numismatic Association auction, where it realized $180,000. Graded NGC MS 63, the large octagonal coin (lot 2294) is cherished by numismatists for its size and connection to the California Gold Rush days. A second 1851 Augustus Humbert Gold $50 graded NGC MS 62 (lot 2293) realized $117,000.

An 1851 Augustus Humbert Gold $50 graded NGC MS 63 realized $180,000 Click images to enlarge

Between the start of the California Gold Rush and opening of the San Francisco Mint in 1854, the US government contracted with Moffat & Co. to mint ingots like these in California. Augustus Humbert, a watchmaker from New York who moved to California during the Gold Rush, was commissioned to be the federal assayer for California, and pieces such as these are known by his name today.

Other NGC-certified auction highlights included:

• an 1852 United States Assay Office ‘887’ Gold $50 graded NGC MS 61 (lot 2295) that realized $93,000
• an (1831-1834) C. Bechtler $2.50 graded NGC AU 58 (lot 2285) that realized $70,000
• an 1855-D Gold Dollar graded NGC AU 58 (lot 2165) that realized $38,400
• an (1834-1837) C. Bechtler Gold $1 graded NGC MS 61 (lot 2282) that realized $30,000
• an 1850-D Quarter Eagle graded NGC MS 63 (lot 2174) that realized $28,800
• a 1907 High Relief Wire Rim Double Eagle graded NGC PF 63 (lot 2207) that realized $24,000
• an 1860-D Gold Dollar graded NGC MS 61 (lot 2170) that realized $19,200
• a 1793 Chain AMERICA Cent graded NGC F 15 BN (lot 2029) that realized $17,400
• an 1836 J-60 Silver Dollar graded NGC PF 55 (lot 2089) that realized $16,800

Prices realized include buyer’s premium.

Related Links:

• NGC Coin Explorer
• NGC Registry: United States