Somewhere between 15-18 years before the US mint started coining gold dollars in 1849, German emigrant and entrepreneur Christopher Bechtler began making these coins to help local miners turn their treasures from the fields of North Carolina into functioning money within the local economy. This coin, in the 30 Grains variety, is considered by experts to be the very first example of a gold dollar coined in the United. The example for sale is in high VF (very fine) grade but is also certified by CAC for quality, which is unusual. These typically are heavily cleaned and in detailed holders for damage. Fineness of the coin is 30 grains of 20-carat gold, with around 150 pieces extent today.