Neuchatel (15)94 2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 3367 in Sincona sale 91 (Zürich, May 2024), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel Heinrich I. 1573-1595, Heinrich I. 1573-1595. Halbbatzen 1594, Neuchâtel. Viergeteiltes, gekröntes Wappen zwischen 9 - 4. Umschrift: H + D + LONG + C + S + NEOC . Rv. Ankerkreuz in einem Gerstenkornkreis. [Lilie] [Lilie] OCVLI + DOM + SVP + IVSTOS. Von grosser Seltenheit. Fast sehr schön. Demole, Wavre & Montandon kannten diesen Jahrgang noch nicht. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, half batzen of 1594, Neuchâtel mint. Obverse: crowned and quartered arms divides the two digit date; reverse: anchor cross inside a circle of barley corns. Of high rarity, About very fine.)"
While the principality of Neuchâtel was long associated with the Swiss Confederation, it was under seigneurial 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 1593-95 along with a kreuzer and half kreuzer. The reverse motto, "OCVLI ᛭ DOM[INUS] ᛭ SVP[ER] ᛭ IVSTOS ⚜", translates as The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalms 34:15).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.62 g, billon, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 1.63 g.
Catalog reference: Froidevaux V5, HMZ 2-679b.
- 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, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 91, The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 1 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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