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

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

• 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.

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