What's a Slug ? .. to me Slugs, also known as Facsimiles, are one the most interesting, yet elusive numismatic collectibles.

Large gold pieces were struck in California for use during the California gold rush. The original coins were termed "ingots" by the United States mint because of their large weight and value, $50, which was more than any other United States gold coin. The U.S. Assay Office at San Francisco issued the first such pieces. Others were issued made by private Assay Companies. The U.S. Government began to pull the $50 pieces, commonly known as "slugs", from circulation after the completion of the San Francisco Mint in 1854.

Early facsimiles of these wonderful coins were made beginning in the early 1900's as "exact in size, shape, and color of the old fifty dollar gold "slug" used in California". Among the earliest facsimiles known were those designed by C. G. Brinker and made by Irvine & Jachens of San Francisco. Over the succeeding years a number of different California $50 gold octagonal souvenir pieces have been struck. Most are very rare, with many less than 30-50 known to exist. The coins' unique historical image recall a dynamic and romantic period in American History.

Below are a few Rare ones .. others are on display on NGC Register .. under the name AOEDAD