(1831) G$5 C. Bechtler, RUTHERFORD, 20C, Without 150 GR, K-14 MS

Bechtler’s first coins were struck in June of 1831, and while the firm’s earliest issues included both quarter and half eagles, only two examples of the larger denomination have been reported. The Beaded Border/ No. 150.G. Bechtler $5 was first described by numismatist, Thomas Elder, in his Sale of the Collection of Rare Coins, Medals, Etc., of the Late Peter Mougey, Esq. (1910). The Mougey coin was purchased by H.O. Granberg, who then sold his collection of Pioneer Gold to Waldo Newcomer. From there it passed to Josiah K. Lilly, whose estate donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1968. A second example, described as “Gem Uncirculated”, was sold as a part of the Conway Bolt Collection (1966) and has not been seen since. The dies used to strike the Kagin-14 $5 were later altered to include the “150.G.” weight and used to strike the Kagin-15 variety.

Obverse Description

5 DOLLARS. 20.CARATS.* NORTH CAROLINA GOLD.

Reverse Description

RUTHERFORD COUNTY. * C.BECHTLER, ASSAYER.