And now for something completely different, we are pleased to present this historic, fascinating and unique circa 1837 U.S. Mint Assay Report on Bechtler Gold Coinage.

Officially titled A Recapitulation of Various Trials of Bechtler’s Gold Coins, at the Mint of the United States and dated Feb. 8, 1837, this is a 15″ x by 10″ (give or take) document handwritten on ancient paper:

Columns compare the various denominations, the purported weight of the pieces, the actual average weight of the pieces, the purported fineness in carats, the actual fineness, the purported value of each piece, and their average actual value.  Pretty rigorous, actually.

With the following qualifier noted “The foregoing is extracted from records in the Assayer’s office. All the pieces purported to have been struck since August 1834; and it is proper to add, they had not, generally, the appearance of having been much in circulation, if at all.”

Predictably, the results indicated that the Bechtler gold coins were not of full value, though frankly they weren’t as far off as one might have guessed.

The document itself has a few ancient folds and minor repairs, but is clear, bold, and would look absolutely fantastic displayed in a suitably august frame on the wall of the finest coin room.

Additional photos available upon request.

SOLD

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