Whitman Expo
(1834) C. Bechtler 5 Dollar Gold MS RUTHERFORD, 140 GR, 20C, Dated Obverse, No Initial or Star, K-Transitional Values
Details
Struck sometime in late-1834, after the U.S. standard for gold was changed, the Kagin-Transitional half eagle is the earliest $5 struck following Bechtler’s adoption of the 28-grain per dollar standard. It is apparent that Bechtler had not yet settled on a design for the new type. The obverse die, which Bechtler used regularly for every 20-carat half eagle issued through the late 1830s, bears the legend CAROLINA GOLD, as well as the coin’s weight and fineness, and AUGUST 1. 1834., the enaction date for the legislation that changed the composition of U.S. gold coins. The reverse lacks Christopher Bechtler’s first initial and the star typically found before it. This reverse die was barely used; the single example of this variety known today was discovered in 1983 by numismatist Daniel Freeman.
Obverse: 140.G. AUGUST 1. 1834. 20. CARATS. CAROLINA GOLD
Reverse: 5 DOLLARS. BECHTLER.AT RUTHERFORD
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Carolina
Mintage:
unique
Coinage Type:
Private & Pioneer Gold
Coinage Years:
1831-1842
Composition:
Gold
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
C. Bechtler
Variety 2:
RUTHERFORD, 140 GR, 20C, Dated Obverse, No Initial or Star, K-Transitional
Rarity:
R-Unique
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.8333
Strike Type:
Business
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Christopher Bechtler, Sr.
Obverse Lettering:
140.G. AUGUST 1. 1834. 20. CARATS. CAROLINA GOLD
Obverse Designer:
Christopher Bechtler, Sr.
Reverse Lettering:
5 DOLLARS. * C:BECHTLER.AT RUTHERFORD
Reverse Designer:
Christopher Bechtler, Sr.
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