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

Summer 2025 Global Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

3487

Grade

AU50

Price

26,400

Lot Description

Rarely do we handle an example of any Bechtler gold issue whose surfaces are as vividly toned and undeniably original as those of this thoroughly PQ Kagin-27 $5. Both sides exhibit dominant colors in deep khaki-gold and honey-olive, from which blushes of overlying powder blue and reddish-rose shine as the coin rotates under a light. The texture is thick and satiny with direct lighting also calling forth subtle traces of luster from the protected areas close in to many of the design elements. All features are boldly defined. An ancient cut in the obverse field (mounted incorrectly as the reverse in the PCGS holder) is noted, but as an AU-50, and with such positive attributes overall, this mark is easily forgiven. Really a special example of the type, and worthy of the strongest bids.<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 AU example is a noteworthy find, especially one with strong eye appeal, as here. This specimen will readily complement any specialist cabinet of privately issued gold coins or Southern gold in general.