Helvetian Republic 1803 1/2 batzen
This specimen was lot 5562 in Sincona sale 35 (Zürich, October 2016), where it sold for 200 CHF (about US$238 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"Helvetische Republik, Halbbatzen 1803. FDC. (Helvetic Republic, half batzen of 1803. Uncirculated.)"
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 struck 1802-03. Ten batzen made a frank and four franken made a thaler (Dav-359).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, this specimen 1.98 g.
Catalog reference: D.T. 12d, HMZ 2-1190f, KM A6.
- Divo, Jean-Paul, and Edwin Tobler, Die Münzen der Schweiz, im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert, Zürich: Bank Leu & Co AG, 1969.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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]Jürg Richter, Schweizer Münzen und Medaillen vom Mittelalter bis in die Neuzeit, Auktion 35, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2016.
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