1834 (1834-1837) Christopher Bechtler $5. K-17. Rarity-5. RUTHERFORD, 140.G., 20 CARATS. Plain Edge. AU-53 (PCGS). CMQ.Enchanting honey-olive surfaces also exhibit subtle toning in vivid pinkish-rose iridescence. All design elements are boldly to sharply rendered, the borders soft in places, as typically seen for the type. Both sides retain flickers of original luster, and they are uncommonly smooth and well composed for having seen light commercial use. Premium About Uncirculated quality that is worthy of the strongest bids.<p>The first gold rush in North America happened in the mountains of the Carolinas and Georgia in the early 19th century. With transportation to the mint at Philadelphia perilous at best, an enterprising family of gunsmiths and goldsmiths from Baden took up the challenge and established a private mint in Rutherfordton, North Carolina in 1831. The most successful of the Southern private assayers, the Bechtlers earned a reputation for honesty in their gold coinage and their issues circulated widely even beyond the gold regions of the South. There are even apocryphal claims of Bechtler coins being seen in circulation well after the Civil War. Most of the coins from the Bechtlers mint are found well worn, unevenly struck, and quite frequently damaged. The Kagin-17 variety of the $5 denomination is one of the more available in this series, although survivors are scarce in an absolute sense. Attractive AU Bechtler $5 gold coins of any variety are rare and always command the attention of dedicated Territorial gold enthusiasts.<p>The date on the present coin, August 1, 1834, is indicated to ensure the public that the Bechtler pieces were in complete conformity with the Mint Act of 1834, that defined new weights for gold coins among other actions.PCGS# 10091. NGC ID: 2B9P.From the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection. Earlier ex Clapp; Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection.
