Neuchatel (16)18 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4312 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 100 CHF (about US$145 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Fürsten von Neuchâtel Heinrich II. von Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663. Kreuzer 1618, Neuchâtel. Selten. Fast sehr schön. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry II, 1595-1623, kreuzer of 1618, Neuchâtel mint. Rare, 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 kreuzer was struck in this style 1595-1601 and 1610-1619. 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: 1.0 g, billon, 19 mm diameter, this specimen 0.92 g.
Catalog reference: KM 6, Froidevaux V174. D.T. 1643m, HMZ 2-688n.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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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