Record #:

3112

Author(s):

Brown, Michael

Abstract:

German immigrant Christopher Bechtler came to Rutherford County in 1830 to seek gold, but found another opportunity - minting gold coins. Between 1831 and 1840, he minted over $2 million of the much-needed medium of exchange.

Source:

Our State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 64 Issue 7, Dec 1996, p42-44 Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Bechtler, Christopher, 1782-1842; Mints--Rutherford County--History

Record #:

4477

Author(s):

Sharpe, Bill

Abstract:

The Bechtlers -- Christopher, son Augustus, and nephew Christopher, Jr., -- arrived in Rutherford County from Germany in 1830. Experienced metal workers, they saw that the economy was hindered because little gold was in circulation. Since Rutherford County at that time was the geographic center of gold mining in the nation, the Bechtlers opened a mint, which operated from 1831 to 1840. Over $2 million in gold was put into use during that period. The money boosted industry and helped people to buy and sell goods.

Source:

Tar Heel Junior Historian (NoCar F 251 T3x), Vol. 8 Issue 3, Feb 1970, p6-7

Subject(s):

Bechtler, Christopher, 1782-1842; Mints--Rutherford County--History

Record #:

8822

Author(s):

Barfield, Rodney

Abstract:

n 1830, there were fifty-six active gold mines in North Carolina, and the state was called the Golden State. Christopher Bechtler, Sr., moved to Rutherford County in 1830, and, in 1831, opened a currency mint. Bechtler died in 1842, but his mint continued stamping coins until the late 1850s. Many residents of Rutherford and surrounding counties have coins passed down through their families.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 48 Issue 12, May 1981, p8-11, il, por

Subject(s):

Bechtler, Christopher, 1782-1842; Mints--Rutherford County--History

Record #:

14690

Author(s):

Long, Virginia

Abstract:

Christopher and Augustus Bechtler emigrated from Germany to settle in Rutherford County in 1830. Both were metallurgists and were drawn to Rutherford because of the active gold mining in the region. By 1831, the Bechtler's were minting gold coins in $1, $2.50, and $5 denominations, a government approved endeavor at that time because of non-stringent federal laws. The Charlotte Mint was established in 1837 and by 1840 the Bechtler's had stopped their private coinage business.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 14 Issue 47, Apr 1947, p8, 19

Subject(s):

Bechtler, Christopher, 1782-1842; Mints--Rutherford County--History; Bechtler, Augustus, 1813-1847