1837 C. Bechtler Two and a Half Dollar Gold Piece - 67 Grains, 21 Carats

Coin Details

Auction Record

$35,250 MS62 04-23-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1837 Christopher Bechtler Two and a Half Dollar Gold Piece with 67 grains at 21 carats represents one of the intermediate weight and fineness combinations used by the Bechtler mint. At 67 grains of 21-carat gold (approximately.875 fine), this variety falls between the heavier 75-grain standard and the lighter 64-grain issues, offering a slightly different balance of gold weight and purity while maintaining the appropriate intrinsic value for a $2.50 denomination. The 21-carat fineness places this variety between the 20-carat and 22-carat issues, indicating that Christopher Bechtler was working with gold of varying natural purity from different mining sources. Rather than refining all incoming gold to a single standard, Bechtler have adjusted the grain weight inversely to the fineness — using more grains for lower-carat gold and fewer grains for higher-carat gold — to ensure each coin contained approximately the same total amount of pure gold regardless of its specific alloy composition. This practical approach to private coinage reflected the realities of operating a mint that processed raw gold directly from local miners. The gold deposits of western North Carolina varied in their natural alloy content, and Bechtler's flexible specification system allowed him to produce coins of consistent value from gold of varying purity without the extensive refining capabilities available at the federal mint.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 25-40 surviving examples. The 67-grain, 21-carat combination is less commonly encountered than the 64-grain varieties.

Cross References

PCGS #10067; NGC #31022