Sitten 1529 1/2 batzen
This specimen was lot 4536 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 3,000 CHF (about US$4,352 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Philipp de Platea, 1522-1529. Gros (Halbbatzen) 1529, Sitten. Geschweiftes Familienwappen unter der Jahreszahl. Vorderseitenumschrift beginnt mit einem Röschen. Rv. Der heilige Theodul von vorn. Sehr selten in dieser Erhaltung. Gutes sehr schön. Exemplar der Auktion SINCONA 35, Zürich, Oktober 2016, Los 5413. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Philipp de Platea, 1522-29, gros or half batzen of 1529, Sitten mint. Obverse: family arms under the date, the legend begins with a rosette; reverse: St. Theodore facing. Very 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, 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 type is listed for 1527 and 1529. One thaler was 28 batzen.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 1.97 g, billon, 20 mm diameter, this specimen 1.99 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 87 var, HMZ 2-1029b.
- 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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