1834 C. Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece - 140 Grains, Distant 20 Carats

Coin Details

Auction Record

$72,000 AU58 01-16-2022 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1834 Christopher Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece with 140 grains and "Distant 20 Carats" is a die variety defined by the unusually wide spacing between the "20" carat mark and other design elements on the die. The term "Distant" in the variety description refers to the physical separation of the "20" from surrounding inscriptions, creating a layout noticeably different from the standard varieties where the carat mark is positioned closer to adjacent text. Die spacing variations like this are diagnostic features in Bechtler numismatics that result from the hand-engraving process. When Christopher Bechtler cut each die individually, the precise placement of inscriptions, numbers, and decorative elements varied from die to die. While major design elements remained consistent — "CAROLINA GOLD," "140.G," "20.C," and the denomination — their spatial relationships to one another shifted depending on how the engraver laid out each specific die. The "Distant 20C" attribution has been recognized by both PCGS and NGC as a distinct variety, reflecting the numismatic community's appreciation for the subtle die differences that characterize privately produced territorial gold. For collectors assembling complete Bechtler variety sets, the Distant 20 Carats issue represents an essential and distinctive die pairing within the 140-grain five-dollar series.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 20-30 surviving examples. The distinctive wide spacing of the carat mark makes this variety readily identifiable.

Cross References

PCGS #10115; NGC #31046