(1831) G$2 1/2 C. Bechtler, CAROLINA, K-7 MS

The Kagin-7 pairs a late state of the reverse die seen on the Kagin-6 quarter eagle with a new obverse die. Although this obverse die was made using the same punch set as the earlier Bechtler quarter eagle dies, some of the punches show evidence of wear, and others have been reworked. The layout of this die is the same as the Kagin-14 beaded border $5, suggesting that Bechtler hoped to issue a visually consistent product.

The Kagin-7 obverse die failed relatively quickly, as evidenced by a large, diagonal die crack that starts at 7:00 on the obverse and continues across the die towards the “0” of “2 50.” For many years, the only quarter eagle of this variety known to numismatists was the Jenks/Nygren/Walton/ Lilly-specimen, now impounded at the Smithsonian Institution. A second example — discovered on a charm bracelet in 1981 — is the only Kagin-7 available to collectors.

Obverse Description

2 50. 20.C. NORTH CAROLINA GOLD. (encircled by 85 beads)

Reverse Description

RUTHERFORD C.BECHTLER , ASSAYER, (encircled by 57 beads)