Liechtenstein 1930 20 franken
This specimen was lot 1688 in Sincona sale 38 (Zürich, May 2017), where it sold for 700 CHF (about US$840 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"Franz I. 1929-1938 20 Franken 1930. FDC. (principality of Liechtenstein, Francis I, 1929-38, twenty franken of 1930. Uncirculated.)"
Liechtenstein, a tiny country sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria, has been ruled for generations by a Austrian family that did not even visit its domain until after World War One. The collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the loss of that family's estates in the crash forced the prince, Johan II, to focus on his tiny domain. Since then, Liechtenstein has been aligned with Switzerland. In 1924, the krone was dropped in favor of the frank, modelled on the Swiss franc. This twenty franken piece was accompanied by a gold ten franken. Coinage for Liechtenstein since then has been sporadic and generally limited to commemoratives; the natives use Swiss money for everyday transactions.
Recorded mintage: 2,500.
Specification: 6.45 g, 0.900 fine gold, this specimen 6.45 g.
Catalog reference: Divo 124, HMZ 2-1383a. Fr-15.
- 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, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Jürg Richter, Auction 38, Gold Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2017.
Link to:
- 1930 10 franken
- Coins and currency dated 1930
- return to coins of Liechtenstein