Neuchatel (16)48 2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 3374 in Sincona sale 91 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 325 CHF (about US$430 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Heinrich II. von Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663. Halbbatzen 1648, Neuchâtel. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Vorzüglich. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry II of Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663, half batzen of 1648, Neuchâtel mint. Rare in this condition, Extremely 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 two kreuzer or half batzen was struck 1614-15, 1619 and 1648-49. The reverse motto, "OCVLI·DOMINI·ET·PAX·SVP[ER]·IVSTO[S] *", translates as The eyes of the Lord are on peace and the righteous (Psalms 34:15). One écu = 84 kreuzer.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.54 g, billon, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 2.06 g.
Catalog reference: KM 22, Froidevaux V119, D.T. 1642a, HMZ 2-687e.
- 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, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 91, The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 1 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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