


North Carolina's gold rush of the 1800s and the minting of America's first $1 gold coin.
The discovery of gold in North Carolina in the early 1800s set off America's first gold rush and provided a German immigrant named Christopher Bechtler the opportunity to create a successful family-owned mint that produced nearly two and a quarter million dollars worth of gold coins, including the country's first $1.00 gold coin. Shot on location in Rutherford County and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The discovery of gold in North Carolina in the early 1800s set off America's first gold rush and provided a German immigrant named Christopher Bechtler the opportunity to create a successful family-owned mint that produced nearly two and a quarter million dollars worth of gold coins, including the country's first $1.00 gold coin. Shot on location in Rutherford County and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
North Carolina's gold rush of the 1800s and the minting of America's first $1 gold coin.
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
The Bechtler House in Rutherfordton, NC
Bechtler House owner Lynn Padgett describes qualities of the structure built in 1838.
The Bechtler House in Rutherfordton, NC
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
Lloyd Nanney Describes Making Becthler Gold Coins By Hand
Prospector Lloyd Nanney describes how Christopher Bechtler manufactured gold coins by hand
Lloyd Nanney Describes Making Becthler Gold Coins By Hand
Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint is a local public television program presented by PBS NC.