Neuchatel 1694 16 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4362 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 400 CHF (about US$555 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel, Marie de Nemours, 1694-1707. 16 Kreuzer 1694, Neuchâtel. Variante mit schmaler Krone über dem Wappen. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Fast FDC. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, 16 kreuzer of 1694, Neuchâtel mint, narrow crown. Rare in this condition, About Mint State.)"
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 sixteen kreuzer is the only issue of this denomination and was struck 1694 only. The dies were also used to strike gold double pistoles (Fr-339). The obverse motto, "OCVLI·DOMINI·SVPER·IVSTOS", translates as The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalms 34:15). One écu = 84 kreuzer.
Record mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.8 g, silver, 15 mm diameter, this specimen 3.76 g.
Catalog reference: KM 27, Froidevaux V282. D.T. 1651, HMZ 2-695a.
- 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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