Struck between 1837 and 1842 in Rutherford County, North Carolina, this privately minted $5 gold piece by Christopher Bechtler represents one of the earliest and most trusted forms of regional currency in antebellum America. Its inscription—“C. BECHTLER, AT RUTHERF 5 DOLLARS”—is rendered in a clean, utilitarian style, reflecting the mint’s practical origins and Bechtler’s reputation for honest weight and purity. With a gold content of 128 grains and a fineness of 22 carats, the coin was widely accepted across the Southern Appalachian region, often preferred over federal coinage for reliability.

Bechtler’s mint was born of necessity and ingenuity. As gold poured from the Carolina hills, sending it to Philadelphia for coining was risky and inefficient. Local leaders petitioned Bechtler—a skilled watchmaker and metallurgist—to assay and strike coins directly. By 1831, he had established a private mint that would produce the nation’s first gold dollar, predating the U.S. Mint’s version by nearly two decades. His $5 pieces, including the Kagin‑23 variety, became a lifeline for frontier commerce, circulating widely and earning the trust of merchants and miners alike.

This specimen, graded PCGS AU58 (certification no. 49748367), ranks among the finest known examples of the K‑23 type. With a rarity rating of High R.6, fewer than 30 specimens are believed to exist, and only three are certified at this grade. Its surfaces exhibit rich olive‑gold patina with subtle copper‑red luster around the devices, and the strike remains bold despite its age. Unlike many surviving Bechtler coins, this piece is free of major lamination flaws, enhancing its appeal to advanced collectors.

Auction records for Bechtler $5 coins show steady demand, with AU58 examples commanding premiums due to their scarcity and historical significance. While Mint State pieces are exceedingly rare—only two are known in MS63—the AU tier offers a compelling balance of preservation and provenance. This specimen’s encapsulation in a PCGS Gold Shield holder ensures both authenticity and traceability, with NFC verification.

The historical significance of Bechtler’s coinage cannot be overstated. In an era when federal coinage was scarce in the South, his gold pieces provided stability and confidence in daily trade. They stand as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and regional resilience, bridging the gap between frontier necessity and numismatic artistry. Collectors today prize them not only for rarity but also for the story they tell about America’s first gold rush and the communities it sustained.

Now part of the PentaMint Collection, this Bechtler $5 carries forward that legacy with distinction. For Print‑of‑the‑Month members, this drawing and narrative capture not just a coin, but a chapter of American history. In presenting it here, the series underscores its mission: to honor the artistry of America’s coinage while celebrating the collectors who preserve these treasures for future generations.