1908 A. Bechtler Proof Five Dollar Gold Piece - Chapman Restrike

Coin Details

Auction Record

$44,275 PR66 01-01-2009 Bowers & Merena

Description

The 1908 August Bechtler Proof Five Dollar Gold Piece, Chapman Restrike, is a proof-quality gold coin struck from original August Bechtler dies by the prominent Philadelphia coin dealer Henry Chapman around 1908. Chapman acquired the original Bechtler dies — one of the most significant numismatic acquisitions of the early twentieth century — and used them to produce a small number of proof impressions in gold, creating new specimens from dies that had been dormant for over half a century. The Chapman restrikes are immediately distinguishable from original Bechtler strikings by their proof surfaces, which display the deep mirror fields and frosted devices characteristic of carefully prepared proof coinage. Original Bechtler coins were struck as circulating pieces with business-strike finishes, making the proof surface quality of the Chapman restrikes a clear marker of their later production. The coins are struck in gold appropriate to their denomination, maintaining the metallic integrity of the original Bechtler issues. Henry Chapman (1859-1935) was one of the most important American coin dealers of his era, operating from Philadelphia alongside his brother Samuel Hudson Chapman. Henry's acquisition and use of the Bechtler dies combined his dealer's instinct for creating desirable collector items with the numismatic community's fascination with the Bechtler mint story. The August Bechtler restrike is distinguished from the Christopher Bechtler restrike (PCGS #10124) by the die inscriptions, with this variety bearing "A. BECHTLER" on the reverse.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Only a handful of specimens known, struck by Henry Chapman circa 1908 from original dies. Proof quality distinguishes them from business-strike originals.

Cross References

PCGS #10054; NGC #31056; NGC #31056 (duplicate, deleted)