1837 C. Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece - 128 Grains, 22 Carats, Colon

Coin Details

Auction Record

$228,000 AU58 01-14-2024 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1837 Christopher Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece with 128 grains, 22 carats, and colon after the grain weight (written as "128.G:") is one of three closely related Georgia Gold varieties distinguished by subtle inscription differences. The colon following the grain weight mark is the diagnostic feature separating this variety from the no-colon variety (PCGS #10103) and from other 128-grain five-dollar issues. The shift to 128 grains at 22 carats represents a further evolution in Bechtler's weight standards for the five-dollar denomination. At 22 carats (.917 fine), this gold is purer than the earlier 20-carat issues, and the lower grain weight compensates for the higher fineness to maintain approximately the same pure gold content. The resulting coin contains about 117.3 grains of pure gold, essentially equivalent to the 140 grains at 20 carats (116.7 grains pure) used in earlier issues. The obverse of this variety bears "GEORGIA GOLD" rather than "CAROLINA GOLD," indicating that the gold used in this coin came from Georgia mines rather than the North Carolina deposits closer to Bechtler's Rutherfordton location. The Bechtler mint processed gold from both Carolina and Georgia sources, and the geographic designation on each coin reflected the origin of the specific gold used. The Georgia gold varieties document the reach of the Bechtler mint's influence across the southern Appalachian gold belt.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 25-40 surviving examples. The "colon" variety is one of three 128-grain Georgia Gold five-dollar issues.

Cross References

PCGS #10106; NGC #31043