Undated (1842-1852) August Bechtler $5. K-27. Rarity-5-. 134.G:, 21 CARATS. EF-45 (PCGS).Rich olive-honey color surfaces display more vivid reddish-rose highlights. The texture is predominantly satiny from time spent in commerce, although prooflike reflectivity remains, closely guarded by some of the design elements. A bit unevenly struck, affecting the lower right obverse and upper right reverse the most, yet with much bold detail remaining throughout. The appearance is smooth in the absence of sizable or otherwise singularly distracting marks.<p>In 1840, August Bechtler took over the operation of the Bechtler mint from his father, Christopher (Alt Christoph) Bechtler. When the elder Bechtler died in 1842, August began production of coins under his name, primarily the $1 and $5 denominations. August Bechtler struck four different varieties of the $5 denomination, of which the K-27 is the most available to collectors. The Bechtlers coins circulated for many years after they closed their mint in the 1850s; some apocryphal accounts even report sightings of Bechtler gold in circulation as late as the turn of the 20th century. Almost all known specimens of K-27 have seen varying degrees of circulation, many of which are damaged or otherwise impaired. Mint State examples are astonishingly rare and when found they are at the lowest levels. Any unimpaired EF example is a noteworthy find, especially one with pleasing eye appeal, as here. This specimen will readily complement any specialist cabinet of privately issued gold coins or Southern gold in general.<p>PCGS# 10046. NGC ID: 2BY9.
