(1842-50) $5 A. Bechtler, 134 Grains, 21 Carats MS(PCGS#10046)

(1842-50) $5 A. Bechtler, 134 Grains, 21 Carats MS (PCGS#10046)

June 2025 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Lot Description: Warm honey-gold surfaces display subtle pinkish-rose highlights. The texture is predominantly satiny from time spent in commerce, although prooflike reflectivity remains, closely guarded by some of the design elements. A bit unevenly struck, mostly affecting the lower right obverse, yet with bold detail remaining to the design elements. The in-hand appearance is fairly smooth in the absence of sizable or otherwise singularly distracting marks.<p>In 1840, August Bechtler took over the operation of the Bechtler mint from his father, Christopher (Alt Christoph) Bechtler. When the elder Bechtler died in 1842, August began production of coins under his name, primarily the $1 and $5 denominations. August Bechtler struck four different varieties of the $5 denomination, of which the K-27 is the most available to collectors. The Bechtlers' coins circulated for many years after they closed their mint in the 1850s; some apocryphal accounts even report sightings of Bechtler gold in circulation as late as the turn of the 20th century. Almost all known specimens of K-27 have seen varying degrees of circulation, many of which are damaged or otherwise impaired. Mint State examples are astonishingly rare and when found they are at the lowest levels. Any unimpaired EF example is a noteworthy find, especially one with pleasing eye appeal, as here. This specimen will readily complement any specialist cabinet of privately issued gold coins or Southern gold in general.