K-4 variety, 887 Thous., 50 Reverse type. Considered to be High Rarity-5.

A fantastic example of this iconic early issue which represents a transition from gold ingots to actual coins.

How so? Let’s look further:

Like an ingot, this type was designed for the values and the degrees of fineness to be customizable, with spaces left blank next to the letters D (Dollars) and C (Cents), as well as the space beside THOUS. on the ribbon. The correct figures were then punched in by hand when the coins were struck, as well as the legend AUGUSTUS HUMBERT UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA 1851 around the edge.

In the case of the present K-4 variety, 50 was punched in next to the D, and also on the central reverse, the space beside C was left blank, and 887 was stamped on the ribbon. This process, while undoubtedly charming and of keen interest to coin collectors 163 years later, was laborious and time consuming, and these Lettered Edge fifties were eventually replaced by the easier to produce RE type.

And this is a fantastic example which looks solidly Choice AU to this author, with pleasing color, nice surfaces, sharp detail and much better rims than we’ve seen on many of these (including some examples in higher holders and blessed by CAC).

Note that this coin has been verified by CAC.

HOLD

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