(1842-52) $5 C. Bechtler, 134 Grains, 21 Carats AU53 认证号33520395, PCGS号10100

Ron Guth

Kagin 26 is an extremely rare variety within the Bechtler series.  When Don Kagin wrote his book on Pioneer Gold Coins in 1981, he knew of only one example; inbn fact.   Today, two examples are known: one in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution and another (PCGS AU53) in a private collection.  This variety features a stated weight of 134 grains and a stated fineness of 21 carats, but lacks a star as seen on Kagin-20.  

Kagin called this a transitional issue because the same obverse was used by both Christopher and August Bechtler.  No other Bechtler die -- of any denomination -- shares this unusual distinction.