Neuchatel (15)94 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4310 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 60 CHF (about US$87 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel Heinrich I. 1573-1595. Kreuzer 1594, Neuchâtel. Ohne H auf der Rückseite. Fast sehr schön. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry I, 1573-95, kreuzer of 1594, Neuchâtel mint. About 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 1593-95 along with a two kreuzer and half kreuzer. The reverse motto, "OCVLI · DO[MINUS] · SVP[ER] · IVSTOS ⚜", translates as The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalms 34:15). One écu = 84 kreuzer.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 1.18 g, billon, this specimen 1.11 g.
Catalog reference: Froidevaux V29, HMZ 2-680h.
- 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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