Switzerland 1892-B 5 francs
This specimen was lot 25644 in Heritage sale 3024 (Chicago, April 2013), where it sold for $3,290. The catalog description[2] noted, "Confederation 5 Francs 1892-B, MS66 PCGS, a superb coin, with glowing cartwheel luster, bold strike, and most appealing gold and silver iridescent toning. A coin of spectacular quality and clearly among the finest known. We cannot remember ever seeing a finer Helvetia Head 5 francs. Very rare grade." This type was struck 1888-1916. It was superseded in 1922 by a five francs bearing a portrait of hero William Tell. Confederation coinage commenced in 1850; prior to that, each canton struck its own coinage. In 1931, the five francs was reduced to 15 grams, 0.835 fine, and struck in that form until 1969.
Recorded mintage: 190,000 plus a few specimens.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 34, Dav-392.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Divo, Jean-Paul, and Edwin Tobler, Die Münzen der Schweiz, im 19. und 20. Jahrhundert, Zürich: Bank Leu & Co AG, 1969.
- 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.
- [2]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3024, featuring the Kairos and Elizabeth McPhall Charters Collections, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
Link to:
- 1891 5 francs
- 1892 20 francs
- 1894 5 francs
- Coins and currency dated 1892
- return to coins of Switzerland