Rarity 8!

The desirability and collectibility of these white metal splashers is based on two factors. The first, and most obvious is the inherent collectibility of the pieces themselves. Patterns of Territorial Gold coins are extremely rare. The second basis for their collectibility rests on the unavailability of Dubosq $5.00s and $10.00s in gold.

This splasher is the closest one can come to owning a Dubosq ten dollar. Any Dubosq & Co. territorial piece is very rare, due to the March 26, 1851 assay report of Augustus Humbert. This report, published in the Pacific News two days later, revealed that many private gold coins contained less gold bullion than their face value indicated. According to the Alta California, the reputable firm of Dubosq & Co struck $150,000 face in gold during the first quarter of 1851 from 1850-dated dies. If this report is accurate, nearly all must have been melted shortly thereafter, as they were refused in commerce except at a drastic discount.