C Bechtler $2.50 67G 21C PCGS AU55. C. Bechtler $2.50 (67 Grains, 21 Carats). Some mint luster remains within the lettering of this North Carolina territorial issue. A couple of obverse digs under the denomination, the larger under the 2, and minor marks on the reverse keep this coin from a mint state grade. The strike is full on both sides of the coin with each letter and number easy to observe. Also of note is doubling on the N in CAROLINA as well as three or four die cracks on the obverse. The coin is the Series V: Carolina Gold. 21 Carats, 26.8 Grains per Dollar. The obverse of the coin is inscribed RUTHERF: BECHTLER with the denomination written as 250 in the center. Dentils are around the periphery and the edge is plain. The reverse is inscribed CAROLINA GOLD 67 G. 21. CARATS.

The Bechtler family lived in Rutherford County, North Carolina from 1831 to 1852. Christopher Bechtler with his sons Augustus and Charles, and a nephew also named Christopher, moved from Philadelphia to North Carolina in 1830. They bought a piece of land about three miles north of Rutherfordton, and opened up a watch making and jewelry business. At this time there was a very tight money supply and a coinage shortage. When gold was discovered in North Carolina, miners asked Bechtler to assay and stamp their gold. Since there were no laws prohibiting private coinage, and shipment to Philadelphia was unsafe, Christopher decided to accommodate them and set up a private assay and coining business. Evidently he was efficient and provided good service because his business lasted for nearly twenty years.

Bechtler made everything himself. He made his own dies, punches, presses, and everything else needed to make coinage. His coins weighed what they were supposed to and were up to standard in fineness. Between 1831 and 1846, he coined over two million dollars in quarter and half eagles. Naturally there were contemporary counterfeits made from false dies using base metals. Authentication of all coins is highly recommended. (All USRCI coins are certified by one of the major grading services.)

When the Mints at Charlotte and Dahlonega opened, the Bechtler coin-making business diminished. In 1840 Christopher gave the business to his son, Augustus. Augustus moved to town and minted large quantities of gold dollars until he died in 1846. Christopher Jr. inherited the business from Augustus. However, Christopher was an alcoholic. People claimed that some of his coins were debased. He stopped making coins in 1850, just after the U.S. Mints began making coins in quantity. From then on, bullion went to the federal Mints for coinage.

All Bechtler gold is rare and sought after by collectors and investors. In its population report PCGS shows a total of 20 $2.50 (67 grains) coins in all conditions. In AU55 there are 6 with 5 better.