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During the 1830s, North Carolina was one of the largest gold-producing regions in the U.S. With $294,000 in North Carolina gold deposited at the Philadelphia Mint in 1831, the need for local coinage was evident.
Enter Christopher Bechtler, a German immigrant, jeweler, and goldsmith, who established a private mint in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Unlike Templeton Reid’s short-lived venture, Bechtler’s gold coins were widely accepted in commerce, even circulating more freely than U.S. Mint-issued coins at times.
Key Features of Bechtler Gold Coins
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Denominations Produced:
- $1 Gold Coin (1832) – First-ever U.S. gold dollar coin
- $2.50 Quarter Eagle
- $5 Half Eagle
- Accepted by merchants, banks, and even the U.S. Mint for refining.
- Coins were struck from North Carolina & Georgia gold, making them regionally significant.
- Produced over $2.2 million in gold coins between 1831–1850.
Bechtler’s Legacy & Influence on U.S. Coinage
- In 1834, the U.S. government reduced the gold weight of official coinage—though never inscribed on federal coins, Bechtler added the date “August 1, 1834” on some $5 coins.
- Bechtler’s gold coins circulated more freely than U.S. Mint issues due to their trusted quality.
- Despite the establishment of U.S. branch mints in Charlotte & Dahlonega in 1838, Bechtler’s private mint continued operating without interference.
Rarity & Collector Demand
- High trust in Bechtler’s coinage led to many being sent to the U.S. Mint for melting, making surviving examples exceedingly rare.
- Bechtler’s $1 gold coin was the first of its kind, predating the U.S. Mint’s official $1 gold coin (issued in 1849).
- After Christopher Bechtler’s death in 1842, his son Augustus and nephew Christopher Bechtler Jr. continued operations until approximately 1852.
Shop Rare Bechtler Gold Coins at ParadimeCoins.com
At ParadimeCoins.com, we specialize in certified Bechtler gold coins, a crucial part of early American private coinage history. Explore our collection today!
