NNP

(1837-42) $2 1/2 C. Bechtler Quarter Eagle, 64G. 22C, Uneven 22, MS61 NGC. CAC. K-11, R.6. Christopher Bechtler, a North Carolina jeweler, began producing gold coins in 1831, at the request of local minors after a petition to establish a branch mint in the "gold region" failed. Bechtler's coins had heavy gold weights in relation to the denominations and were immediately popular in the gold mining regions of Rutherford and Mecklenberg counties. Bechtler assayed and coined gold dust on a small profit margin that was extremely competitive with the federal mint in Philadelphia. Until 1838, when the Charlotte Mint opened, the Bechtler family was the chief producer of gold coinage in the Carolinas. The K-11 quarter eagle is differentiated from K-12 by the uneven placement of the 2s in 22 CARATS. This piece is fully struck and attractive with coppery-gold and amber patina over prooflike fields. NGC reports only 22 examples of this rare variety. Census: 5 in 61, 3 finer. CAC: 4 in 61, 3 finer (8/17). Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15109, realized $18000. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.