Neuchatel (15)89 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4309 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 200 CHF (about US$290 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel Heinrich I. 1573-1595. Kreuzer 1589, Neuchâtel. Seltene Variante mit einfacher, dreiteiliger Krone über dem H. Sehr selten. Schön-sehr schön. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry I, 1573-95, kreuzer of 1589, Neuchâtel mint. Rare variant with a simple, three-part crown above the H. Very rare, Fine-Very Fine.)"
While the principality of Neuchâtel was long associated with the Swiss Confederation, it was under monarchical rule rather than oligarchic rule as in the other cantons. French aristocrats ruled until Marie de Nemours's death in 1707, then under Prussian rule 1707-1806, then part of Napoleon's empire, then Prussian again 1815-57, whereupon it was merged completely into Switzerland. This type was struck 1589 only, with many varieties in the shape of the crowns.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 0.99-1.12 g, billon, this specimen 1.12 g.
Catalog reference: Froidevaux V13, HMZ 2-680b.
- 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]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 98: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 3 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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