Helvetian Republic 1798-S 20 batzen
This specimen was lot 31588 in Heritage sale 3049 (Long Beach, September 2016), where it sold for $646.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Helvetic Republic 20 Batzen 1798-S MS61 NGC. With Point variety. Choice for the type with typical central softness and some wispy handing that defines the grade, but no discernable wear, ample remaining luster and attractive copper-gold toning highlights on both sides. From the Redwood Collection, Part II." The Helvetian Republic was a puppet state set up by the French in 1798 on the remnants of the old Swiss Confederation. It collapsed in 1803 under religious and class conflict and Napoleon reorganized it as the Swiss confederation, restoring the liberties of the old cantons. Most of its issues are rare and expensive. This type was issued 1798-99 only. Twenty batzen = two francs = half thaler. The republic also minted 5, 10 and 40 batzen.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: KM-A2, HMZ-21186d.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Divo, Jean-Paul, and Edwin Tobler, Die Münzen der Schweiz, im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert, Zürich: Bank Leu & Co AG, 1969.
- Richter, Jürg, and Ruedi Kunzmann, Neuer HMZ-Katalog, Band 2: Die Münzen der Schweiz und Liechtensteins 15//16. Jahrhundert bis Gegenwart, Regenstauf, Germany: H. Gietl Verlag GmbH, 2006.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World Coin Auction 3049, featuring the Ohio Valley Collection, the Redwood Collection and the F.P. Briand Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2016.
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