Rare 1852 California Gold Rush coin sells for $367,875
A rare 1852 Augustus Humbert $50 gold coin, known as a 'slug,' sold at auction for $367,875. The coin dates back to the California Gold Rush era when private gold pieces were minted to address currency shortages.
Why it matters
The sale underscores the high market value of historical artifacts and the unique monetary history of the American Gold Rush.
An 1852 California Gold $50 piece has brought nearly $368,000 at auction, highlighting the enduring appeal of coins linked to the early Gold Rush era. According to the auction house GreatCollections, the rare Augustus Humbert $50 was part of its Centennial Collection of Territorial Rarities, which featured eight certified territorial coins and drew 475 bids during the collection’s auction run. The collection was presented from September 6 through September 27, 2026. The coin itself, however, was listed among the collection’s September 6 offerings and sold for $367,875, including the buyer’s fee. Its rarity, preservation and connection to early California gold make it one of the standout pieces from the collection.A coin from California’s Gold Rush eraGreatCollections identified the 1852 piece as an 1852 California Gold $50 U.S. Gold Assay Office Augustus Humbert 887 Reeded Edge, graded PCGS MS-63+.
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