(1834) G$5 C. Bechtler, RUTHERFORD, 140 GR, 20C, Colon, Plain Edge, K-16a MS

The K-16 is the earliest half eagle variety to use the basic layout that Bechtler would adopt for his subsequent issues. The new arrangement featured a star, his first initial and surname, and location surrounding the denomination. The reverse die on this variety, with the word DOLLARS situated away from AT RUTHERFORD apparently failed or was deemed unattractive, as the K-16 (Reeded Edge) and K-16a (Plain Edge) are among the rarest Bechtler half eagles, with only five or six examples known of the two varieties.

Obverse: 140 .G. AUGUST 1. 1834. 20. CARATS. CAROLINA GOLD.

Reverse: 5 DOLLARS H C BECHTLER AT RUTHERFORD

As early as 1831, Bechtler’s mint received deposits of native Georgia and North Carolina gold with a fineness measuring substantially over 20 carats. After Bechtler’s adoption of the 28-grain/20-carat per dollar standard, his clientele prevailed upon the coiner to begin striking coins of 22-carat purity that he designated GEORGIA GOLD. This product line required a new obverse for both the quarter eagle and half eagle; however, Bechtler also sunk new dies for the $1 obverse and $5 reverse—ostensibly for aesthetic reasons.

Bechtler sent a report to the Weekly Raleigh Register that was published on July 26, 1836, stating that “whenever . . . gold is brought in to be coined of the fineness of 22 carats, it is stamped GEORGIA GOLD.” The report goes on to describe Bechtler’s half eagles as weighing either 140 or 128 grains, making it clear that as late as mid1836 the Bechtlers were producing coins of only two finenesses.