Sitten (1499-1522) 3 groschen
This specimen was lot 4569 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 1,200 CHF (about US$1,663 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Sitten, Bistum, Matthäus Schiner, 1499-1522. 3 Groschen o. J., Sitten. Familienwappen des Bischofs mit Mitra, Krummstab und Schwert. Rv. Hl. Theodul mit Schwert und Krummstab und die hl. Katharina von Alexandrien mit Schwert in der Rechten. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Gutes sehr schön. (Switzerland, bishopric of Sitten (Sion), Matthias Schiner, 1499-1522, undated three groschen, Sitten mint. Obverse: family arms of the bishop with mitre, crozier and sword; reverse: St. Theodul with sword and crozier and St. Catherine with sword. Rare in this condition, Good Very Fine.)"
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.
Record mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.78 g, silver, 26 mm diameter, this specimen 2.83 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 44, HMZ 2-1023a.
- 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.
Link to: