(1837-42) $2.50 C. Bechtler, 64 Grains, 22 Carats MS(PCGS#10073)

November 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3214

Grade

AU53

Price

48,000

Lot Description

A lovely and conditionally rare example of a scarce, historic issue in the private gold coinage series. The richly original honey-olive color is accented by subtle pinkish-rose patina that nicely outlines most of the design elements. Much luster remains, in a satin to softly frosted texture, the reverse field (incorrectly mounted as the obverse in the PCGS holder) also with a hint of semi-reflectivity. Exceptionally well defined and smooth for the assigned grade, this is a solid AU-55 in your cataloger's opinion, and it will certainly command a strong premium from the lucky winning bidder.<p>Christopher Bechtler and his son Augustus and nephew Christopher, Jr. operated their own private mint in Rutherfordton, North Carolina from 1830 to 1852. The coins were struck at two sites, one at their home in Rutherfordton and another near their mine just north of town. They also produced the United States' first gold dollar in 1831. Originally housed at the American Numismatic Society Museum, the coin press and several of the dies are currently on display at the Bechtler House Museum in Rutherfordton. This is one of the die marriages of the sixth series C. Bechtler $2.50, and it is of roughly similar rarity to the K-12 variety with the digits 22 even. Choice examples in both AU and Mint State are highly elusive, the present offering a rare find for the advanced collector.