Neuchatel 1794 1/2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 3385 in Sincona Auction 105 (Zürich, May 2026), where it sold for 300 CHF (about US$457 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Könige von Preussen Friedrich Wilhelm II. 1786-1797. Vierer 1794, Neuchâtel. Von grosser Seltenheit. Schön-sehr schön. Exemplar der Auktion SINCONA 95, Zürich, Oktober 2024, Los 4381. Exemplar der Slg. Kunzmann, Auktion SINCONA 53, Zürich, Oktober 2018, Los 6514. (Switzerland, Neuchâtel, Frederick William II, also kig of Prussia, 1786-97, vierer of 1794, Neuchâtel mint. Of high rarity, Fine-Very Fine.)"
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, then under Prussian rule 1707-1806. This half kreuzer was struck 1789-96. The first dates are common but the 1793-96 issues are rare. The reverse motto, "᛭ SUUM ᛭ CUIQUE ᛭", translates as, "To each his own". One thaler = 160 kreuzer.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 0.56 g, billon, 15 mm diameter, plain edge, this specimen 0.69 g.
Catalog reference: KM 45, Froidevaux V374, D.T. 1002f, HMZ 2-713f, Olding 54b.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- 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, Michael Hardmeier, Michael Otto, Arne Kirsch, Ruedi Kunsmann and Timur Demirai, SINCONA Auction 105: The Konrad Bürki Collection of Swiss Cantonal Coins - Part 5, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2026.
Links to: