1852 G$10 Augustus Humbert, Late Die State, K-10a MS

Following the failure of the second Humbert $10 reverse die, a third example was made; it was used until the adoption of Curtis, Perry & Ward’s new design in the spring of 1852. Somewhere around 150 examples are known in private hands, 10 of which are graded Mint State. The single finest known example is a superb Gem Mint State that traces its provenance back to the collection of Augustus Humbert. The K-10 Humbert eagle is the latest use of the Humbert obverse die, and examples are known that show extensive apparent die rust and cracking. The latest die state known has cracks running through UNITED and is identified as K-10a in Private Gold Coins and Patterns of the United States.

Obverse: Eagle clutching a shield and a ribbon inscribed LIBERTY, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TEN DOLS 884 THOUS

Reverse: Engine-turned pattern with a tab.let reading AUG.USTU.S HUMBERT. UNITED STATES ASSAYER OF GOLD CALIFORNIA 1852