Sitten (1565-1604) 1/2 dicken

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Sincona sale 95, lot 4577

This specimen was lot 4577 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 17,500 CHF (about US$24,255 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,

"SCHWEIZ Sitten, Bistum, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Halbdicken o. J., Sitten. Geschweiftes Familienwappen von zwei Röschen eingefasst. Oben Schwert, Mitra und Bischofstab. Rv. Lilienkreuz, Innenkreis mit kl. Kleeblättern, die in die Felder schauen. Von grosser Seltenheit. Sehr schön. Exemplar der Slg. Kunzmann, Auktion SINCONA 53, Zürich, Oktober 2018, Los 6873. Exemplar der Slg. Fatio, Auktion L. Hamburger, Frankfurt/Main 93, Oktober 1931, Los 2081. Exemplar der Slg. Iklé, Auktion L. Hamburger, Frankfurt/Main, Oktober 1928, Los 2274. Ursprünglich aus Slg. Hans Wunderly v. Muralt. (Switzerland, bishopric of Sitten (Sion), Hildebrand of Riedmatten, 1565-1604, undated half dicken, Sitten mint. Obverse: ornate family arms between two rosettes, miter, sword and crozier behind; reverse: floriate cross cantonned with four trefoils. Of high rarity, 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. Sitten was ruled by five Adriens of the Riedmatten family: Adrien I (1529-45), Adrien II (1604-13), Adrien III (1640), Adrien IV (1646-72) and Adrien V (1672-1701). This type was struck undated and was one-eighth thaler.

Record mintage: unknown.

Specification: 4.14 g, silver, 28 mm diameter, this specimen 4.07 g.

Catalog reference: Palézieux 181 var (Rv.), HMZ 2-1045a (this coin pictured).

Sources:

  • 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.

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