1842 $5 GOLD A.BECHTLER, CAROLINA. 134.G: 21. ct RUTHERFORD. no star, reeded edge. NGC AU-58 K-27

This $5 gold coin struck by August Bechtler, graded by NGC as AU58, radiates a rich reddish-honey patina with golden-yellow highlights, retaining prooflike reflectivity and a smooth, satiny texture. Virtually free of major marks, it boasts bold design elements, with “A. BECHTLER” and “134.G: 21 CARATS” on the obverse and “5 DOLLARS” on the reverse. The K-27 variety, the most obtainable of August’s four $5 types, is still a Rarity-5 treasure. Most surviving K-27 coins show circulation wear or damage, with Mint State examples exceedingly rare. This near-Mint State coin, with its vibrant eye appeal, is a gem for collectors of private or Southern gold.

Bechtler Family in the 1830s: Christopher Bechtler, a German goldsmith born in 1782, immigrated to the U.S. in 1829 with sons Augustus and Charles, settling in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, by 1830 during the Carolina Gold Rush. In 1831, he opened a private mint, producing $1, $2.50, and $5 gold coins, including the first U.S. gold dollar, to meet the region’s currency needs. Known for precise weight and purity, Bechtler coins circulated widely. By 1834, after a Coinage Act raised gold’s value, many were melted, making survivors rare. The mint produced $2.24 million in coinage by 1840. Christopher’s health declined, and August took over in 1840, continuing after Christopher’s 1842 death until the 1850s.

Bechtler Facts

• Struck the first U.S. gold dollar in 1831.
• Used locally sourced Carolina gold, filling a gap before federal mints opened in 1838.  
• Christopher’s self-designed screw press ensured consistent quality.  

This K-27 $5 gold piece, struck under August, embodies the Bechtler legacy, making it a prized numismatic treasure.  

Product ID	555730
Year	1842
Mint Mark
Strike	MS
Grade	AU-58
Variety	-
Grading Agency	NGC
Specification properties	No
Serial	2120335-001
Status	Active
Designation	K-27
Additional Info	-