Sitten (1499-1522) 2 groschen
This specimen was lot 4534 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 5,625 CHF (about US$8,159 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Matthäus Schiner, 1499-1522. 2 Groschen o. J., Sitten. Wappen mit Infeln, darüber Schwert, Mitra und Bischofstab. + MATHEVS . EPS . SEDV'. PRE'. ET . CO'. V. Rv. Brustbild des Hl. Theodul von vorne. + S . THEODOLVS . PATRA'. SEDVNES. Sehr selten. Sehr schön. Prüfschnitt am Rand. Exemplar der Slg. Kunzmann, Auktion SINCONA 44, Zürich, Oktober 2015, Los 5961. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Matthias Schiner, 1499-1522, undated two groschen, Sitten mint. Obverse: mitred arms with tassels over sword and crosier; reverse: bust of St. Theodore facing. Very rare, Very Fine, Test cut on the edge.)"
The bishopric of Sitten (Sion in French) encompassed most of what is now the canton of Valais. The bishops involved themselves in the petty feuds and struggles of the day, bishop Matthias going so far as to participate in the battle of Marignano (1515). They successfully resisted the Reformation but were forced to cede their secular power in 1630. Coinage continued into the eighteenth century.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 2.38 g, silver, 25 mm diameter, this specimen 2.25 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 41 var, HMZ 2-1024a (plate coin).
- 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 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
- [2]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 98: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 3 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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