50 Dollar gold piece of Augustus Humbert 1851
THE CALIFORNIA SLUGS
Private Gold Coins of the United States
50 Dollar gold piece of Augustus Humbert 1851
CALIFORNIA COINS
Previous to the establishment of the Branch Mint, at San Francisco, in 1854, many private refineries and companies struck gold coins of various denomination.
In 1850, by Act of Congress, the United States Assay Office was established in San Francisco, and the following coins were issued from that office:
This coin, of which there are two varieties, is of an octagon shape. The first variety has an eagle, with raised wings, grasping the United States shield, three arrows in the right, and an olive branch in the left talon ; from its beak floats a scroll, inscribed
with the word "LIBERTY;" above the eagle is another scroll, with "887 THOUS." inscribed upon it. Legend : "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue:
" 50 D. c." (Fifty Dollars of California). These are inclosed in a beaded circle, and, though in relief, are sunk into the piece in such a manner as to leave a raised rim around the ontside. Upon the edge is inscribed: "AUGUSTUS HUMBERT, UNITED STATES ASSAYER, CALIFORNIA GOLD, 1851."
The second variety is similar in type, but is much more finished. Upon the scroll, above the eagle, is inscribed: " 880 THOUS.;" around, the Legend : "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." U. S. OF AMERICA. 1093 Exergue: " 50 D. c." The raised riin does not appear upon this piece; but outside of the circular line, inclosed in the field, is inscribed : "AUGUSTUS HUMBERT, UNITED STATER ASSAYER
OF GOLD, CALIFORNIA, 1851." The edge is grained. Upon the Reverse, in the middle of the field "50," surrounded by rays of peculiar lining. Weight: 1319.312 grains. Fineness: 880 and 887. Value : $49.85 and $50.00.
Considerable controversy has existed for years regarding the afore-described "California Slugs." Some writers on coins maintain that they were of the authorized United States coinage, while others dispute the same. To settle this vexed question, we appealed to Director Linderman, of the United States Mint.
His letter, which we print in full, settles the matter conclusively:
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE MINT.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May 1, 1878.
SIR : I have, received your letter of the 30th ultimo, requesting to be informed if the $50 California Slug is an authorized United States coin.The piece referred to is not an authorized United States coin, but simply a slug or bar with the United States stamp, indicating the degree of fineness and value, affixed by the United States Assayer, appointed by authority of law, to "perform such duties in assaying and fixing the value of gold in grain and lump, and in forming the same into bars, as shall be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury."
Very respectfully, H. B. LINDERMAN,
Director.
JOHN S. DTE, Esq., 1338 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.