Lot 2249
August Bechtler, 5 DOLLARS CAROLINA, 141 Gr. 20 Carats NGC graded AU Details. Tooled and cleaned. Not as bad as the description sounds on the NGC slab. A very pleasing looking example. The design of this piece is at once simple and serviceable. There are no special design elements, except perhaps for the star on the obverse. The lettering appears entered in the die with a utilitarian purpose, and with little regard for artistry. For example, the letters of CARATS below the 5 are misaligned with the other letters. The neighboring G appears to have tripped and fallen away from the GOL as if it did not want to be associated with the others. Many engraving irregularities could be pointed out on both sides, especially regarding improper spacing. And yet…the Bechtler gold coins served a function. Well into the 1860s these hard-working coins were found circulating throughout the region, indeed, far away from their mint of issue, and in competition with regular-issue U.S. gold coins!
Estimated Value $9,000 - 10,000.
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