1834 Gold $5 C:BECHTLER, CAROLINA. 140.G. 20ct AUGUST 1, 1834 AT RUTHERFORD plain edge (K-16a) PCGS AU55 (CAC)

August 1, 1834. C. Bechtler $5 Gold. Kagin-16a. Rarity-8. With 140 G, No Beads. Plain Edge. AU-55 PCGS. CAC.

The smooth and essentially unmarked rim-to-rim expanses of this rarity offer a study in deep orange-gold toning, while a bright light serves to bring out the sunset orange hues that dominate the warm golden surfaces. No marks of any measure are seen with the unaided eye, and precious few disturbances will be found with a loupe. Add a sheen of soft underlying luster throughout and the enchanting picture is complete. The present example of Kagin-16a, the rare variety with plain edge details, is the finest known of just two examples, and is the only PCGS-certified example of the variety as well. In 1988, Breen’s Encyclopedia stated that “Walton:2522, said to have plain edge, is unverified.”

The present lot is, of course, verification of a variety that is now known by two examples, both of those confirmed after Breen’s discourse. The present offering from the 2017 auction sale the Allan Collection marks an occasion where completeness and quality go hand in hand in an advanced collection. Specialists have no doubt waited years for the present coin to resurface. If a PCGS Registry Set is to be complete, owning the coin is absolutey necessary! To the savvy investor/collector, this coin represents the opportunity of a lifetime...

Ever since the Walton sale (Stacks 10/1963) the K16 variety has been considered one of the "stoppers" or non-collectible varieties. Only four specimens are known in all - two with reeded edges and two with plain edges. One of those K-16’s was stolen from the Dupont Collection in the early 1960’s.

Obverse: CAROLINA GOLD. at rim from 8 to 4 o’clock around, AUGUST 1, 1834 in a semi-circle at center, 140 / .G. within, 20. above CARATS at rim below.
Reverse: C: BECHTLER. AT RUTHERFORD around, star at 9 o’clock, 5 at center, DOLLARS curves below.
Die Alignment: 180 degrees or coin turn.

PCGS Population: 1; no others in any grade.

Ex: From the Allan Collection.
Ex: Walton Collection.