(1832-34) G$1 C. Bechtler 30 GR, Reeded Edge, K-1

Coin / United States of America / 1832 / Carolina / C. Bechtler / G$1

Struck sometime in late 1832 or early 1833 and on through the middle of 1834, the Kagin-1 is popularly collected because of its status as the first gold dollar struck in the United States. The dies are different from earlier Bechtler issues, with a neat, serrated border, allowing more room for the legends. Like the early beaded border issues, the K-1 dollar is struck to the pre-August 1834, U.S. standard: 30-grains of 20-carat gold to the dollar. The relatively high survival rate of the Kagin-1 gold dollar suggests that Bechtler’s new, convenient denomination met with wide acceptance. It is the only Bechtler conforming to the pre-1834 U.S. standard that is generally available, with approximately 150 pieces extant. Grades vary from VF-BU, with three or four choice mint state examples vying for finest known status. A single plain edge example (Kagin-1a) is known from a late state of the dies.