Sitten (15)72 1/2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4542 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 800 CHF (about US$1,161 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Vierer 1572, Sitten. Kleeblatt zwischen zwei Sternchen. Umschrift bestehend aus den bischöflichen Initialen, am Ende die mindere Jahreszahl (15)72. Rv. Verziertes Ankerkreuz. Selten. Sehr schön. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604, vierer of 1572, Sitten mint. Obverse: small city arms with tiny stars, abbreviated bishop's name and two digit date around; reverse: floriate cross. Rare, 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, 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. The Riedmatten family contributed six bishops of Sion and controlled the diocese 1529-45, 1565-1613, 1640-1701. This vierer or half kreuzer was struck 1572-75. Note the two digit date.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 0.58 g, billon, 17 mm diameter, this specimen 0.43 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 143-144 var, HMZ 2-1049c.
- 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 98: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 3 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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