Sitten 1597 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 4549 in SINCONA Auction 98 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 60 CHF (about US$87 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Kreuzer 1597, Sitten. Bischofsinsignien und Schwert zwischen zwei Sternchen im Feld, unten ein Kleeblatt. Rv. Kreuz, die Jahreszahl am Ende der Umschrift. Schön-sehr schön. Kleine Randfehler. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604, kreuzer of 1597, Sitten mint. Obverse: Bishop's insignia and sword between two stars in the field, a trefoil below. A cross on the reverse, the date at the end of the inscription. Fine-Very Fine, Minor edge flaws.)"
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 1593-97 and 1603.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 1.25 g, billon, 19 mm diameter, this specimen 1.03 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 167, HMZ 2-1048n.
- 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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