1842 A. Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece - 141 Grains, 20 Carats

Coin Details

Auction Record

$31,625 MS61 08-18-2011 Stack's Bowers

Description

The 1842 August Bechtler Five Dollar Gold Piece with 141 grains at 20 carats completes the trio of August Bechtler five-dollar varieties, each using a different weight-fineness combination to achieve approximately the same pure gold content. At 141 grains of 20-carat gold (approximately.833 fine), this variety contains about 117.5 grains of pure gold, effectively matching the 128-grain/22-carat and 134-grain/21-carat issues. The 141-grain, 20-carat specification is the heaviest and lowest-fineness option in August Bechtler's five-dollar series. The higher base metal content in 20-carat gold gives these coins a slightly warmer, more coppery tone compared to the paler yellow of the 22-carat pieces. The additional weight — 141 grains versus 128 — gives the coin a more substantial feel, which some recipients perceived as a more generous gold content despite the lower purity. August Bechtler's adherence to the three-tier weight-fineness system demonstrates the sophistication of the Bechtler minting operation, even during its final years. By maintaining this system, August ensured that all gold brought to the mint could be efficiently coined regardless of its natural purity, without the need for extensive refining operations. The system's elegant simplicity contributed to the overall success of the Bechtler mint, which is estimated to have produced between $2.2 and $3.5 million in gold coins during its two decades of operation.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 20-30 surviving examples. The heaviest of the three August Bechtler five-dollar varieties.

Cross References

PCGS #10049; NGC #31052