1852 U.S. Assay Office $50 Slug (887)

Struck in San Francisco, the 1852 $50 "887" Gold piece from the U.S. Assay Office is a true testament to the California Gold Rush era. These large octagonal coins, also known as "slugs," were issued to address the acute shortage of recognized monetary pieces in California during the early 1850s. With a fineness of .887, these coins were crucial for commerce and remain historical artifacts of the period.

Graded AU55 by NGC, this coin boasts substantial remaining detail and only mild wear, indicating limited circulation. The coin's surfaces are predominantly smooth, displaying a light golden patina that enhances its overall eye appeal. Its octagonal design remains sharp, and the fields show minimal marks, making it an attractive piece of numismatic history.