(1831) G$5 C. Bechtler, RUTHERFORD, 20C, Without 150 GR, K-14 MS

Bechtler’s first coins were struck in June 1831, and while the firm’s earliest issues included both quarter and half eagles, only two. ex.amples of the larger denomination have been reported. The Beaded Border, No 150G Bechtler $5 coin was first described by numismatist Thomas Elder, in his Sale of the Collection of Rare Coins, Medals, Etc., of the Late Peter Mougey, Esq. (1910). The Mougey coin was purchased by H.O. Granberg, who then sold his collection of pioneer gold to Waldo Newcomer. From there it passed to Josiah K. Lilly, whose estate donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in 1968. A second example, described as “Gem Uncirculated,” was sold as a part of the Conway Bolt Collection (1966) and has not been seen since. The dies used to strike the K-14 half eagle were later altered to include the 150.G. weight and used to strike the K-15 variety (see page 29).

Obverse: 5 DOLLARS. 20.CARATS. H NORTH CAROLINA GOLD., encircled by 88 beads

Reverse: RUTHERFORD COUNTY H CBECHTLER ASSAYER, encircled by 84 beads

The earliest changes that Christopher Bechtler Sr. made to his coins seem to have been for aesthetic reason.s. T.hen, in late 1831, Bechtler altered h.is d.ies to include the coin’s weight, adding 75G for the quarter eagle (K-8), and 150G for the half eagle (K-15). This additional information clarified Bechtler’s standard of 30 grains of 20-carat gold per dollar, or 25.02 grains fine gold to the dollar. The resulting coins contained around 1% more gold than those issued by the US Mint.