Switzerland 1863-B 2 francs
This specimen was lot 3856 in Sincona sale 64 (Zürich, June 2020), where it sold for 3,400 CHF (about US$4,260 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SWITZERLAND | Confederation | misc, 2 Franken 1863 B, Bern. . FDC. Prachtvolle Erhaltung. (Swiss confederation, two francs of 1863, Bern mint. Uncirculated, Magnificent condition.)"
The seated Helvetia type was originally struck as a 0.900 fine coin in 1850 and 1857 (KM 10). The issues of 1860-63 are only 0.800 fine (shown here). In 1874, the standing Helvetia type (KM 21) was introduced and is still in production 140 years later (tho no longer silver). All are expensive in nice condition altho this is the key date.
Recorded mintage: 500,000.
Specification: 10 g, 0.800 fine silver, this specimen: 10.01 g.
Catalog reference: Divo 32, HMZ 2-1201e, KM 10a.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 64: Swiss Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2020.
- Divo, Jean-Paul, and Edwin Tobler, Die Münzen der Schweiz, im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert, Zürich: Bank Leu & Co AG, 1969.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
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