$5 C. Bechtler, No C, No Star 1830-1842

Weight

NA

Diameter

NA

Thickness

NA

Material

Gold

Shape

Round

Edge Type

Plain

Technique

Struck

Front design

Value, denomination, and mint name

Back design

Mint name and purity

Year of Minting

1830-1842

Ruler

NA

Mint location

Rutherfordton

Mint mark

NA

Orientation

Coin alignment

Inscriptions

5 DOLLARS | CAROLINA GOLD | BECHTLER'S | RUTHERFORD

Context

: K17b is unusual because it is the only $5 issued by the Bechtlers that lacks the initial of either Christopher or August. Also, it lacks a star between RUTHERFORD and BECHTLER, which is another eye-ball diagnostic. The 17b designation suggests a subvariety of 17 but, in fact, this is a completely different variety than either K-17 (plain edge) or K-17a (reeded edge). Hopefully, in the anticipated, updated version of Don Kagin's book on Pioneer Gold, this variety will receive the special treatment and recognition it deserves. The Allan Collection coin, illustrated above, has a lamination flaw at the base of the reverse (BECHTLER side) and is the only example known at PCGS XF45.

Rarity

Rare

Coin type

Bechtler (N. Carolina/Georgia) (1831-1850)

In circulation

NA

Demonetized

No

Marketplace listings

0