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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.

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Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
Full episodes
1 VIDEOS

Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
28:02 Air Date 10/02/12
Previews
1 VIDEOS

Promo: Gold Fever and the Bechtler Mint
1:00 Air Date 10/02/12
Shorts
5 VIDEOS

Lloyd Nanney Describes Making Becthler Gold Coins By Hand
1:25 Air Date 10/02/12

Making Gold Coins By Hand
0:59 Air Date 10/02/12

The Bechtler House in Rutherfordton, NC
0:51 Air Date 10/02/12

Transporting Gold from North Carolina to Philadelphia
1:11 Air Date 10/02/12

Using Raw Gold for Bartering
2:26 Air Date 10/02/12