Undated (1837-1842) Christopher Bechtler $2.50. K-11. Rarity-6. 64.G., 22 CARATS, Uneven 22. MS-61 (NGC).A lovely and conditionally rare example of a scarce, historic issue in the private gold coinage series. Wisps of reddish-rose iridescence enliven otherwise dominant honey-olive patina. The texture is soft and satiny, the surfaces uncommonly smooth in hand for the assigned grade. Christopher Bechtler and his son Augustus and nephew Christopher, Jr. operated their own private mint in Rutherfordton, North Carolina from 1830 to 1852. The coins were struck at two sites, one at their home in Rutherfordton and another near their mine just north of town. They also produced the United States first gold dollar in 1831. Originally housed at the American Numismatic Society Museum, the coin press and several of the dies are currently on display at the Bechtler House Museum in Rutherfordton. This is one of the die marriages of the sixth series C. Bechtler $2.50, and it is of roughly similar rarity to the K-12 variety with the digits 22 even. Mint State survivors are elusive, the present offering a find for the advanced collector.NGC Census: 6; 2 finer (both MS-62).
