Neuchatel (15)95 1/2 batzen
This specimen was lot 4346 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 12,500 CHF (about US$17,325 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel, Heinrich I. 1573-1595. Halbbatzen-Klippe 1595, Neuchâtel. Gekröntes, vierfeldiges Wappen zwischen der minderen Jahreszahl 9 - 5. Rv. Kreuz. Von grösster Seltenheit. Nur 3 Exemplare bekannt. Fast vorzüglich. Exemplar der Auktion LHS Numismatik 95, Zürich, Oktober 2005, Los 3705. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry I of Orléans-Longueville, 1573-95, klippe half batzen of 1595, Neuchâtel mint. Obverse: crowned and quartered arms divide the two digit date; reverse: cross. Of the highest rarity. Only 3 specimens known, About Extremely Fine.)"
The regular halfbatzen or two kreuzer was struck in this style 1593-95. This klippe was probably made for presentation. The reverse motto, "OCVLI ᛭ DOM ᛭ SVP ᛭ IVSTOS ⚜", translates as The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalms 34:15).
Record mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.62 g, billon, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 5.11 g.
Catalog reference: Froidevaux V7, Winterstein (Klippen) 169, HMZ 2-679c Anm.
- 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 95: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 2 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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