1831 C. Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece - 150 Grains, Beaded

Coin Details

Auction Record

$118,675 MS62 11-08-2013 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1831 Christopher Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece with 150 grains and beaded border is among the earliest half eagle denominations produced by the Bechtler mint. The prominent "150.G" inscription on the reverse guarantees a gold content of 150 grains, making this a substantial gold piece appropriate for its five-dollar face value. The beaded border — a continuous ring of small raised dots around both the obverse and reverse — adds a decorative security element to the coin's design. The five-dollar denomination was the Bechtler mint's most important product, serving the needs of the gold mining community for larger transactions. The obverse features "CAROLINA GOLD" with "C. BECHTLER / ASSAYER" establishing Christopher Bechtler's authority as the guarantor of the coin's gold content. The "ASSAYER" title was significant, as it represented Bechtler's claim to have accurately determined the purity and weight of the gold used in each coin. At 150 grains of gold at approximately 20-carat fineness, this variety contains slightly more pure gold than contemporary federal half eagles, which under the pre-1834 standard contained 135 grains at .9167 fine. This generous gold content ensured that Bechtler's coins were never suspected of being underweight, building the trust necessary for his private coinage to achieve wide circulation throughout the southeastern United States.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 30-50 surviving examples. The 150-grain variety with beaded border represents the earliest Bechtler five-dollar standard.

Cross References

PCGS #10118; NGC #31047