Lot 2058
August Bechtler, 5 DOLLARS CAROLINA, 134 gr. 21 carats (1842-50). NGC AU Details, improperly cleaned. Lovely golden toning within the protected areas. Some weakness about the rims as made and some scatteed marks as well. Rare and quite pleasing.
Bechtler made his own dies, punches, presses, and other equipment; his output of $1, $2.50 and $5 gold coins was of honest weight, and its variations from stated fineness were entirely from limitations in available technology, according to historians of the period. Between 1831 and about 1846 Bechtler’s establishment coined over $2.2 million; federal mint officials made no attempt to interfere, knowing that the Constitution was on Bechtler's side. For decades even after the Civil War, many people in the South never saw any other gold than Bechtler's, and contracts were frequently made payable in the latter.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 4,500.
The William H & Beuelaress K. Helem Collection.
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| Realized $6,900 |
