1852 U.S. Assay Office $50 Gold, 887 Thous., NGC AU55

Monumental octagonal "slugs" were produced in an attempt to regulate circulating California gold some two years before a U.S. branch mint was established in San Francisco. These singular coins are very rare today and are avidly sought by collectors specializing in Gold Rush numismatics.

A splendid example with original surfaces displaying the light circulation wear evident on most surviving specimens.

$20,000 - 30,000