Neuchatel (16)49 2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4357 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 425 CHF (about US$589 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel, Heinrich II. von Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663. Halbbatzen 1649, Neuchâtel. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Gutes vorzüglich. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry II of Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663, half batzen of 1649, Neuchâtel mint. Rare in this condition, About Uncirculated.)"
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. 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.
Record mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.54 g, billon, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 1.71 g.
Catalog reference: KM 22, Froidevaux V126 (this example pictured), HMZ 2-687f.
- 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 95: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 2 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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