Sitten (15)77 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4544 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Kreuzer 1577, Sitten. Familienwappen ohne Schild in doppeltem Innenkreis. Die mindere Jahreszahl (15)77 wird durch den Kleeblattstengel geteilt. Rv. Kreuz, ebenfalls in doppeltem Innenkreis. Sehr selten. Fast sehr schön. Knickspur mit Schrötlingsriss. Exemplar der Slg. Zuberbühler, Auktion 16, Zürich, Oktober 2013, aus Los 6197. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604, kreuzer of 1577, Sitten mint. Obverse: family arms without shield in double circle with two digit date; reverse: cross in double circle. Very rare, About Very Fine, Bent and flan crack.)"
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 kreuzer was struck 1577 and undated. Note the two digit date.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 1.25 g, billon, 19 mm diameter, this specimen 1.30 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 150, HMZ 2-1048b.
- 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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