50 Dollars, United States Assay Office of Gold, United States, 1851 (2024)

International media Interoperability Framework

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Description:

This fifty dollar octagonal gold coin—also known as a “slug”—was produced in 1851 in San Francisco. After the California gold rush began in 1849, it became apparent that a mint should be established on the West Coast to remove the need to ship the gold back to Philadelphia to be minted. Prior to Congress approving the San Francisco mint in 1852, California’s delegates passed a bill in 1850 establishing the U.S. Assay Office to assay (weigh and test purity of) gold and mint coins in San Francisco. Augustus Humbert was appointed to serve as the U.S. Assayer in San Francisco. He brought dies engraved by Charles C. Wright to produce coins made by Moffat & Company. On the obverse, or front, of the coin is a spread-winged eagle on the U.S. shield resting upon a rock; in its claws are an olive branch and arrows. Above the eagle is a cartouche containing the coin’s degree of fineness, in this case 887 thousandths. Within the circle is the text “United States of America/FIFTY DOLLS.” Around the edge are the words “Augustus Humbert United States Assayer of Gold California 1851.” On the reverse is a spiral pattern created by and known as “engine turning.”

Date Made: 1851

Mint: United States Assay Office of GoldMaker: Humbert, Augustus

Place Made: United States: CaliforniaPlace Of Issue: United States: California

See more items in: Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection, American Enterprise, Coins, Currency and Medals, Josiah K. Lilly Jr. Collection

Exhibition: American Enterprise

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Credit Line: Estate of Josiah K. Lilly

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: NU.68.159.1192Catalog Number: 68.159.1192Accession Number: 283645

Object Name: coin

Physical Description: gold (overall metal)0 (overall die axis)0 (overall die axis measurement)struck (overall production method)Measurements: overall: .4 cm x 3.8 cm; 5/32 in x 1 1/2 in

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-1ddb-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1101911

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach tosharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian'sTerms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visitRights and Reproductions.

50 Dollars, United States Assay Office of Gold, United States, 1851 (2024)

FAQs

How much is a 1851 $50 dollar gold coin worth? ›

These $50 Ingots are very rare and prices can range anywhere from $10,000 and up. Currently, the auction record stands at $14,460,000. Another high profile auction record was made in a 2008 auction by Bowers and Merena.

How much is a 1851 gold dollar coin worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of April 2024, a Gold Dollar Coin from 1851 in circulated condition is worth between $675 and $3700. However, on the open market 1851 C Gold Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $45000.

Did the US Mint ever make a $50 gold piece? ›

This fifty dollar octagonal gold coin—also known as a “slug”—was produced in 1851 in San Francisco. After the California gold rush began in 1849, it became apparent that a mint should be established on the West Coast to remove the need to ship the gold back to Philadelphia to be minted.

Why do gold coins say $50 dollars? ›

While their actual selling price (purchasing power) varies based on the spot price of gold, these coins carry face values of $5, $10, $25, and $50. These are their legal values, reflecting their issue and monetized value as "Gold Dollars", as opposed to standard bullion.

How can you tell if a $50 gold coin is real? ›

Perform a Magnet Test

Gold is a precious metal not susceptible to magnetic forces. Thus coins containing a high concentration of gold will not react during a magnet test. This test is an easy way to detect counterfeit gold coins since they often have inexpensive metals that are magnetised.

Is the $50 gold Buffalo coin real? ›

9999 fine 24-karat gold. They are investment-grade coins whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government. Although the coin is also legal tender, its face value of $50 is largely symbolic as the value of the gold it contains has historically been far greater.

How can you tell if a gold dollar coin is rare? ›

Examine the Coin's Date

One of the easiest ways to tell if a coin is rare is to check the date. If the coin is from before 1800, it's likely rare.

Why are Sacagawea coins worth so much? ›

In many respects, the Sacagawea dollar is a rare coin. The fact that it features a woman, alone, makes it one of very few such coins in the United States. However, the Sacagawea dollar coin is also rare because of its scarcity. Only 71 billion Sacagawea coins have been minted, and this is far fewer than other coins.

How much is a $1 coin from 1851? ›

Price Guide
PrAgGVG
$235$285$325
1 more row

What is the rarest U.S. gold coin? ›

1870 $3 S Indian Princess Head Gold

One of the rarest and most unique coins in the world, the 1870 S Indian Princess Head Gold $3 piece is truly one of a kind. The San Francisco Mint struck just a single copy, which was supposed to be placed in the cornerstone of the facility's new building that same year.

Are US Mint gold coins legal tender? ›

All American Eagle Bullion Coins are legal tender coins. Although their face value is largely symbolic, it provides proof of their authenticity as official U.S. coinage. Now, you can make the world's rarest precious metal part of your financial portfolio.

How much can you sell a 1 oz gold coin for? ›

The current ask purchase price for a one ounce American Gold Eagle is: 2513.00 and the current Monex bid selling price for one ounce Gold Eagle coin is: 2426.60. For full transaction details and transactional service such as price limit orders, feel free to consult with your Monex account representative.

Why are Krugerrands illegal? ›

Economic sanctions against South Africa for its policy of apartheid made the Krugerrand an illegal import in many Western countries during the 1970s and 1980s, with the United States, which had historically been the largest market for the coin, banning imports in 1985: the previous year, over US$600 million of ...

Why are gold coins illegal? ›

As mentioned before, the ban on private ownership of gold in the United States was implemented as an emergency measure to combat the Great Depression. The U.S. was on a gold standard at the time, meaning that the value of the U.S. dollar was tied directly to a specific amount of gold.

Should I keep gold dollars? ›

While gold dollar coins do have numismatic or collectable value, they're primarily valuable because of their high gold content.

How much is a 50 dollar gold coin worth today? ›

$50 Gold Eagles
$50 Gold EaglesValue Range
$50 Gold EaglesValue Range
2021 $50 Gold Eagle, Type 1 MS$2,980 - $3,050 $2,980 - $3,050
2021 $50 Gold Eagle, Type 2 MS$2,980 - $3,050 $2,980 - $3,050
2021-W $50 Gold Eagle, Type 2, Burnished MS$3,080 - $3,190 $3,080 - $3,190
66 more rows

How rare is a Sacagawea gold dollar? ›

The fact that it features a woman, alone, makes it one of very few such coins in the United States. However, the Sacagawea dollar coin is also rare because of its scarcity. Only 71 billion Sacagawea coins have been minted, and this is far fewer than other coins.

Which gold dollar coin is worth a lot of money? ›

The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is particularly prized. With a mintage of only 100,000, finding one in good condition can command prices upwards of $300,000!

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5511

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.