A fairly recent 2026 addition - “Crust-Zilla” $50 Assay Slug
PeakRarities
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I’ve pulled this one out a lot recently for my own viewing pleasure, but I thought I’d share this somewhat recent addition to the stable. It’s an 1852 $50 assay slug of the .887 K-13 variety. This issue frequently exhibits some weakness in detail, especially on the obverse high points. For example, shield/arrows. The reverse detail of a K-13 is typically not going to be as sharp as the other popular slug variety, the 1851 .887 Humbert K-6 issue, of which many were struck with a less-exhausted reverse die.
This coin seemingly has some of thickest skin I’ve ever encountered on a slug, I’d even go as far to say that it exceeds the barrier for “skin” and has crossed into the barrier into having a “hide”. The corners are about as a good as it gets and there’s no districting contact or abrasions. There is a VERY light pin-scratch on the reverse that will show at certain angles but it’s aged in and I’d venture to guess that no one really cares.
This is one of the rare instance I prefer a strip light video to showcase the leather pouch toning, and the color varies on lighting but in the video you can see the chartreuse and fuscia highlights with luster peaking out from all the protected areas. The muted luster presumably held back the numerical grade but I like it as. 53 and I would pick this coin any day over most 55s and some 58s, despite the steep price increase as we move up the AU ladder. Arguably one of most, if not the most unmolested circulated slugs I’ve encountered.
Tragically, as many of you know, a number of coins that once looked similar to this have been lightened, dipped, or stripped in the pursuit of higher graded plastic. I digress… but here’s the vid below-
https://player.vimeo.com/video/1193987002
Edit- sorry, I guess Vimeo won’t embed on this site anymore so you’ll have to click the link above.
Questions, comments, concerns, and all opinions welcome. Or, feel free to share a crusty or colorful favorite from your collection, or a coin with charming characteristics that for you, supersede the numerical grade.
Comments
Nice!
OMG !!! simply outstanding !!!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), DesertMoon, Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Proofcollection, Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
One can only dream.
Freaking Awesome Buddy! Great piece of history right there.
Why don't I own this coin?
I want this coin.
I don't own this coin.
This slug is absolutely perfect. A very close second to your NGN (which you know I adore) but I prefer this slug to nearly every 58 and unc example I've seen. For my taste, it is almost certainly the best bang for the buck slug in existence.
I love it.
Ok. Keeping it on theme.
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Chunky
Is there a book on these?
The series and those gold coins that surround it are fascinating.
As it so happens, there’s been several recent notable references published the past few years. It started with:
This book is more geared towards making the connections between all of the private manufacturers and bridging the gaps between the stories and tie everything together. It’s a big book, but it’s got great images and even references for scale. It highlights the varieties, gold composition, and scarcity mostly.
Kagins is out of stock and I don’t see them on eBay but I did buy some extra copies and if you wanted one, feel free to send me a pm.
More recently, Whitman released a pioneer redbook that likely has the same or similar info, by the same authors, though not sure if anything was condensed as I haven’t read through that one yet. These are on eBay for <$30.
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As you know, I’ve always loved that coin and I was thrilled when you landed it. Now that’s a coin where both the skin, AND the real grade actually supersede the assigned grade
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I'll say it the way it came to me sipping my coffee this morning ... that is absolutely bad-ass!
Thanks for sharing Dan!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
There is currently a slew of American history documentaries on Netflix right now. Those coupled with these gold coins are what make this hobby captivating.
I only hope the collecting of State quarters and worn Jefferson nickels gets the kids involved and then allows them to evolve into true Numismatics.
Kind of like the milk before the meat.
This example completed my "denomination set":
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All of Us
ANA LM, LSCC, EAC, FUN
Holy sheet!
See, now this is a fascinating part about slug grading, or any pioneer for that matter. Your coin is the second year K-11 (the numbering system could use work, I know) type when they used the sharp reverse die from the late K-6, with a slight design change and honestly your coin more detail on the reverse than mine! Note the difference in the margin of the reverse gap so the helix-y outer ring fit on the coin properly.
Here’s a PCGS 63 (top pop) that I suspect (and I could be wrong here) is the former NGC 64, that was actually designated as a specimen as it was almost certainly struck with multiple blows.
Here’s the coin (CoinFacts)
Despite its previous status (if I’m not wrong here), note the obverse weakness. The reverse is so sharp it could cut glass, and you’ll see the date, peripheral lettering, and the beads ring is detailed to the max.
Thanks for sharing it! Spectacular coin and very tough to find an appealing ‘52 Humbert, I haven’t handled all many of them.
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Incredible coins all!
Coin Photography
These old slugs are great! Thanks for sharing.
we needed something like that, many thanks for sharing
@PeakRarities
Thank you for description and analysis.
End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All of Us
ANA LM, LSCC, EAC, FUN
Nice to see you posting again Dan. Great thread. Great coin.
Fantastic coins
Based on the images provided, I’d say that’s A fairly decent, fairly recent 2026 addition - “Crust-Zilla” $50 Assay Slug.😉
It’s also as, if not more original looking, than any circulated example I’ve seen. It’s a “Wowza” coin.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
complete agreement on your response !!!
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), DesertMoon, Downtown1974, Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Proofcollection, Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
Holy Crap! That is one beautiful slug.
Fantastic example @PeakRarities. Thank you for the write up and the info.
@lermish and @edwardjulio those are both excellent as well!
Thanks for sharing all!
Can't resist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muUZjovOFRg&list=RDmuUZjovOFRg&start_radio=1
.
@Desert Moon Damn it! I dropped the ball on my music choice on instagram 😂
Although... it seems to be missing something. More cowbell, perhaps?
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Well, that really carries some weight coming from you, Mark. Im glad we still think alike, even after my forum sabbatical
... except for that one time... but I won't hold it against you 
.
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