Switzerland 1875-B franc
This specimen was lot 25901 in Heritage sale 3026 (Long Beach, October 2013), where it sold for $2,115. The catalog description[1] noted, "Confederation Franc 1875-B, MS67 PCGS, an absolutely great coin, deeply struck to show off every tiny detail, with silky smooth satiny luster, and beautiful if subtle golden blue iridescence -- virtual perfection in the first year of issue of this type." This type was struck at the Bern mint starting in 1875 and the design is still in use today tho the coin is now nickel. This specimen is struck to the standard of the French francs of 1866-1920. Many of the dates from the twentieth century are very common but this one is expensive in nice condition. Prior to confederation in 1850, each Swiss canton issued its own coins.
Recorded mintage: 1,036,000.
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, .134 troy oz ASW, 23.2 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM-24.
- 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.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3026, World & Ancient Coins, featuring the RLM Collection, Part Two, the Nogales Collection and the Goetz Medals Die Archive, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
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