Sitten 1538 1/2 batzen
This specimen was lot 4538 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Adrian I. von Riedmatten, 1529-1548. Gros (Halbbatzen) 1538, Sitten. Familienwappen ohne Schild. Der Stiel des Kleeblatts trennt die Jahreszahl. Rv. Hl. Theodul mit Schwert und Krummstab nach links gewandt. Mitra reicht nicht in den Schriftkreis. Sehr selten. Sehr schön. Exemplar der Auktion SINCONA 57, Zürich, Mai 2019, Los 4551. Exemplar der Slg. Kunzmann, Auktion SINCONA 44, Zürich, Oktober 2015, Los 5971. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Adrien I of Riedmatten, 1529-48, half batzen of 1540, Sitten mint. Obverse: family badge without shield divides the date; reverse: St. Theodore with sword and crosier; his miter does not interrupt the circle. Very 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 type is listed for 1536-40 and undated. One thaler was 28 batzen.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 1.97 g, billon, 20 mm diameter, this specimen 1.93 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 108, HMZ 2-1034d.
- 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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