1842 A. Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece - 128 Grains, 22 Carats

Coin Details

Auction Record

$52,900 MS61 03-14-2006 American Numismatic Rarities

Description

The 1842 August Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece with 128 grains at 22 carats represents August Bechtler's adoption of the final weight and fineness standard that Christopher Bechtler had established for five-dollar pieces. The 128-grain, 22-carat specification was the most refined version of the Bechtler five-dollar formula, providing approximately 117.3 grains of pure gold — closely matching the gold content of federal half eagles under the Coinage Act of 1834. August Bechtler's five-dollar pieces maintain the basic design vocabulary established by his uncle but bear "A. BECHTLER" on the reverse, clearly distinguishing them from Christopher's products. The dies show August's own engraving style, which, while following the same general layout, exhibits subtle differences in letter forms and spacing that specialists can identify. The 22-carat fineness represents the highest purity consistently used by the Bechtler mint for its circulating coinage, matching the.917 fine standard of federal gold coins. This alignment with the federal standard was deliberate on August's part, as using the same fineness as United States Mint products would facilitate the acceptance of his coins in commerce. The 128-grain, 22-carat combination is found across all three August Bechtler five-dollar varieties, which are distinguished from each other solely by their stated gold weight and carat specifications.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 25-40 surviving examples. One of three August Bechtler five-dollar varieties.

Cross References

PCGS #10043; NGC #31051