Sitten 1537 1/2 batzen
This specimen was lot 4573 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 3,400 CHF (about US$4,713 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Sitten, Bistum, Adrian I. von Riedmatten, 1529-1548. Gros (Halbbatzen) 1537, Sitten. Jahreszahl über Familienwappen. Rv. Hl. Theodul mit Krummstab und Schwert, nach links gerichtet. Sehr selten und aussergewöhnlich erhalten. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. Exemplar der Auktion UBS Gold & Numismatics 55, Zürich, September 2002, Los 1637. (Switzerland, bishopric of Sitten (Sion), Adrien I of Riedmatten, 1529-48, half batzen of 1537, Sitten mint. Obverse: date over family arms; reverse: St. Theodul with crozier and sword, facing slightly left. Very rare and in exceptional condition, Very Fine-Extremely 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 1536-40 and undated.
Record mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.97 g, billon, 20 mm diameter, this specimen 1.89 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 106var, HMZ 2-1034c.
- 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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