1834 C. Bechtler One Dollar Gold Piece - 28 Grains, Centered

Coin Details

Auction Record

$34,500 MS61 08-09-2007 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1834 Christopher Bechtler One Dollar Gold Piece with 28 grains and centered "28.G" inscription represents the reduced-weight standard adopted by Christopher Bechtler for his gold dollars around 1834. The weight reduction from 30 to 28 grains aligned Bechtler's private coinage more closely with the reduced gold standard enacted by Congress in the Coinage Act of June 28, 1834, which lowered the gold content of federal coins to discourage hoarding and melting. The "Centered" designation refers to the placement of the "28.G" weight mark on the reverse die, where it appears at the center of the field in proper alignment with surrounding inscriptions. This contrasts with the "High" variety (PCGS #10061) where the same mark is positioned noticeably higher. Such die variations are characteristic of privately produced coinage, where dies were hand-engraved individually rather than produced by hub-and-die reduction machinery as at the federal mint. The obverse displays "CAROLINA GOLD" with "28.G" indicating the gold content, while the reverse reads "ONE DOLLAR" with "C. BECHTLER" as the issuer identification. Bechtler's Rutherfordton mint served a vital economic function in the western Carolina gold region, providing locally produced coinage that facilitated commerce in an area far removed from the nearest federal mint in Philadelphia.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. An estimated 40-60 surviving examples. The centered "28.G" variety is slightly less common than the high variety.

Cross References

Kagin K-2; PCGS #10058; NGC #31016