The story of the settlement of California is in part the story of coinage, and the struggle to keep the new state supplied with enough money to provide a prosperous environment for commerce. A major name in that story was Augustus Humbert, U.S. Assayer in San Francisco in 1851 and 1852, who created a kind of fifty-dollar octagonal ingot — also known as a “slug” — during his tenure. The Humbert ingot is one of the all-time great treasures of numismatics, according to some experts consistently in the top ten most desirable and valuable items on the collectors’ market, and was paid tribute by a limited mintage of smaller commemorative coins in 2008 that replicate the shape and craftsmanship of the originals. Struck in pure California gold and sporting a Gem Proof cameo finish, the 2008 2.5 oz Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon Gold Coin is now available from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a tamper-proof plastic container with a label confirming its NGC Gem Proof certification!
- Issued in 2008!
- Supplied from a very limited mintage!
- Contains 2.5 Troy oz of .9999 Pure Gold.
- Minted with dies hand-crafted by the famous modern artisan Ron Landis.
- Obverse features an eagle with outstretched wings.
- Reverse features a set of inscriptions.
The artistry of the Humbert ingot has always been one of the major factors in its desirability to collectors, in addition to its sheer quantity of precious metal content and its historical significance. In replicating that artistry, this commemorative coin brings to bear the talents of Ron Landis, one of a very few living artisans who can create dies by hand-engraving them into pure steel. The results are dazzling.
The 2008 Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon Gold Coin was struck in two-and-a-half Troy ounces of pure California gold and ships in a protective plastic container. Its labeling shows the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) certification of its Gem Proof condition, with mirror-like backgrounds accentuating the raised details of a high-quality strike and showing a few hairline scratches.
The coin’s obverse side features an eagle with its wings outstretched and a rock and shield behind it, surrounded by the lettering “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “PURE CAL. GOLD.” At the octagonal rim appear the inscriptions “AUGUSTUS HUMBERT,” “UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD,” “CALIFORNIA,” and “1852.”
The reverse side features the inscriptions “HUMBERT GOLD INGOT,” “COMMEMORATIVE 2008,” “PURE CALIFORNIA GOLD,” and “2.5 OZ TROY 999.9 FINE,” with an abstract geometric decorative pattern as the backdrop.
These gorgeous commemorative pieces will go fast, so the JM Bullion team recommends ordering early. Phone us today at 800-276-6508, send any questions to our e-mail address, or connect through our convenient online live chat for more information when buying gold.