1842 A. Bechtler One Dollar Gold Piece - 27 Grains, 21 Carats, Reeded Edge

Coin Details

Auction Record

$21,150 MS60 04-23-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1842 August Bechtler One Dollar Gold Piece with 27 grains, 21 carats, and reeded edge is the more secure of August Bechtler's two gold dollar edge varieties. The reeded edge — created by pressing the coin's rim through a device that cuts parallel grooves into the edge — served as a deterrent against clipping, as any tampering with the edge would be immediately visible through the disruption of the regular groove pattern. August Bechtler maintained the Bechtler mint's tradition of transparency by marking his coins with explicit weight and fineness designations. The 27-grain, 21-carat standard provides approximately 23.6 grains of pure gold, which was appropriate for the one-dollar denomination at contemporary gold prices. The obverse bears "CAROLINA GOLD" with the weight and carat marks, while the reverse displays "ONE DOLLAR" with "A. BECHTLER" as the issuer. August's tenure at the Rutherfordton mint was relatively brief compared to Christopher's long career. The combination of Christopher's death in 1842, the gradual depletion of easily accessible Carolina gold deposits, and the massive westward migration triggered by the California Gold Rush of 1849 all contributed to the eventual cessation of the Bechtler minting operation. August Bechtler's coins thus represent the final chapter of the most successful private gold mint in the eastern United States.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Estimated 25-40 surviving examples. The reeded edge variety is slightly more available than the plain edge version.

Cross References

PCGS #10041; NGC #31006