Augustus Humbert was the United States Assayer responsible for testing the purity of coins in San Francisco at a crucial time in the history of California: just after the region became a full-fledged state in 1850, and during a time when there was a shortage of currency to fuel an emerging economy. He gave his name to a series of gold ingots or “slugs,” octagonal coins with a fifty-dollar face value, that were struck during his tenure in 1851 and 1852. Having since become some of the most prized treasures in all of numismatics, the Humbert ingots — also known as the Quintuple Eagle and the Five-Eagle Piece — inspired commemorative coins in the late Aughts that aimed to recreate their aesthetic in a smaller format. One of these was the 2009 1 oz Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon Gold Coin, now available in an NGC-certified Gem Proof grade from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Delivered in a secure plastic container with a label that confirms its NGC Gem Proof certification!
- Issued in 2009!
- Supplied from a very limited mintage of just over 1,000 pieces!
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Struck with hand-engraved dies made by modern artisan Ron Landis.
- Obverse side features an eagle with outstretched wings.
- Reverse side features a set of inscriptions.
Revisiting the look of the classic Humbert gold ingot was a challenge that required a special talent. Famed modern artisan Ron Landis supplied those skills, as one of the few living artists still able to create dies by engraving them onto pure steel. The resulting commemorative coins were struck in a cameo finish and sport a Gem Proof grade certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), free of flaws save for a few hairline scratches.
The 2009 Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon Gold Coin contains a Troy ounce of pure California gold and comes in a plastic container with a label showing its grade. These pieces are visually dazzling, with raised elements accentuated by mirror-like backgrounds and ship fully insured against any chance of loss or damage by the team at JM Bullion.
The obverse field features an eagle with its wings outstretched and a rock and shield in the background. This is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “PURE CAL. GOLD,” while at the outer rim appears the lettering “AUGUSTUS HUMBERT,” “UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD,” “CALIFORNIA,” and “1852.”
The reverse field bears the inscriptions “HUMBERT GOLD INGOT,” “COMMEMORATIVE 2009,” “PURE CALIFORNIA GOLD,” and “1 OZ TROY 999.9 FINE.” An abstract geometric pattern decorates the background.
Supplies are limited, and you’ll want to order early to add one of these beautiful commemorative coins to your collection. For more information, call JM Bullion at 800-276-6508, chat live online with one of our team, or send us an e-mail inquiry.