Undated (1834-1837) Christopher Bechtler $5 Gold. K-19. Rarity-6+. 140.G., 20 CARATS, AUGUST 1, 1834, 20 Distant from CARATS. AU-53 (NGC).Overall pale khaki-gold with clouds of peach-colored patina surrounding the design elements on each side. Boldly struck and attractive in-hand. Magnification reveals a striation of natural planchet roughness through the central obverse, but the surfaces are nicely free of handling marks for the grade level. A thin mark below 140 is absolutely ancient and fully integrated into the complexion. A scarce variety among the many issues struck by the Bechtlers, this particular variety being distinguished by the wide distance between 20 and CARATS. Rated by Kagin as a high Rarity-6 many years ago, and it is not frequently encountered which suggests that the rarity is on target. We have not handled an example from these dies since our November 2013 sale, emphasizing the infrequence of its appearance. Especially so at such high levels of preservation as the current piece.PCGS# 10115.NGC Census: 5; 11 finer.