Lot 4879
Christopher Bechtler, $2.50 GEORGIA, 64 gr. 22 carats. . K-11, Breen-7756. Rarity 6. PCGS graded MS-61. Uneven 22. Lovely shades of gold toning on both sides. Reflective surfaces. A lovely coin and one that is incredibly rare in this outstanding condition. Lustrous sleek surfaces with delicate toned highlights draw everybody's attention. Complete sharp details on the various legends and fineness descriptions, as well. A truly exquisite Mint State specimen of a rare $2.50 variety from the Southern coining facility of the Bechtler family.
In the words of Donald Kagin, "It is clear that several different finenesses of gold existed in the area. Georgia and central North Carolina gold was more yellow and pure than the gold of the mountain region and South Carolina. Bechtler is believed to have had a standard of seven shades of gold to help him determine fineness."
The Kagin reference goes on to say, "Bechtler made his own coining machinery, with the specie being stamped with the weight of the piece, its fineness in carats, and its dollar value. Bechtler's stated minting business practices displayed respectable integrity." And it is integrity we find in the quality and careful preservation of this rare surviving undated $2.50 gold piece struck by the Bechtlers sometime in the late 1830s. Pop 3; None finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 10073) .
Estimated Value $30,000 - 34,000.
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