One of the most prized items in numismatics is the Humbert ingot, an octagonal coin with a fifty-dollar face value produced in California in 1851 and 1852. Known for their gorgeous design and craftsmanship and their substantial precious metal content, these coins have consistently appeared on experts’ lists of the top ten or fifteen most valued collectibles on the market. A limited-edition set of commemorative coins paying tribute to them, released in 2008, have gone on to become sought-after pieces in their own right, create to echo the artistry of the originals in a smaller format. Minted using hand-engraved dies, 2008 Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon 2.5 oz Gold Coin is available to you in an NGC-certified Gem Proof grade from Provident Metals.

Highlights:

• Labeled to verify its NGC grade and arrives in a secure plastic container!
• Issued in 2008!
• Comes from an exclusive original mintage!
• Contains 2.5 Troy oz of .9999 Fine Gold.
• Struck with hand-crafted dies engraved by the famous artisan Ron Landis.
• Obverse side features an eagle with wings extended.
• Reverse side features a set of inscriptions.

The 2008 Proof Humbert Commemorative Octagon Gold Coin comes in a secure plastic container and contains two-and-a-half Troy ounces of pure California gold. Its label verifies the Numismatic Guaranty Company’s (NGC) certification of its Gem Proof grade: a cameo finish with sharp raised details offset by mirror-like backgrounds, showing only a few hairline scratches outside of prime focal areas.

Obverse

The obverse field features an eagle with its wings spread and a rock and shield sitting behind it. This is surrounded by the lettering “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “PURE CAL. GOLD.” At the octagonal rim are the inscriptions “AUGUSTUS HUMBERT,” “UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD,” “CALIFORNIA,” and “1852.”

Reverse

The reverse field bears the inscriptions “HUMBERT GOLD INGOT,” “COMMEMORATIVE 2008,” “PURE CALIFORNIA GOLD,” and “2.5 OZ TROY 999.9 FINE,” with an abstract geometric pattern in the background.

History

As California became an American state in 1850, the question of how to supply enough coinage to support its burgeoning economy became an urgent one. A major early figure in the history of the state’s coinage was San Francisco’s U.S. Assayer, Augustus Humbert, who created the famous octagonal ingots or “slugs” that bear his name. Prized for their unusual shape, gorgeous visual design and their substantial precious metal content, the Humbert ingot is a historically significant numismatic treasure that makes a natural subject for commemorative coinage. The collectibles that celebrate the mid-19th century ingots, now prized items in their own right, were minted using hand-engraved dies created by modern artisan Ron Landis.

Ordering

Supplies are limited, so the Provident Metals team recommends that you order early to add this remarkable piece to your collection. Call today at 800-313-3315, talk with an agent at our convenient online live chat, or simply send us an e-mail.