Switzerland 1896-B 1/2 franc
This specimen was lot 1223 in Sincona Auction 100 (Zürich, October 2025), where it sold for 57,500 CHF (about US$86,664 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Eidgenossenschaft, 1/2 Franken 1896 B, Bern. Stehende Helvetia mit Lanze und Schweizerschild im Sternenkreis, im Abschnitt HELVETIA Rv. Wertangabe und Jahreszahl in einem Kranz aus Alpenrosen- und Eichenzweigen, unten das Münzzeichen B. Gerippter Rand. Von grösster Seltenheit. Nur 28 Exemplare geprägt / Of the highest rarity. Only 28 specimens struck. NGC SP67. Prachtvoller Erstabschlag mit herrlicher Patina. Das durch NGC höchstbewertete Exemplar. (confederation of Switzerland, Obverse: Standing Helvetia with lance and Swiss shield in a circle of stars, in the exergue HELVETIA. Reverse: Value and year within a wreath of alpine rose and oak branches, the mint mark B at the bottom. Magnificent specimen strike with beautiful patina, Finest certified by NGC.)"
This type was struck at the Bern mint 1874-1967. The design is still in use today tho the coin is now copper-nickel. This specimen is struck to the standard of the French half franc of 1866-1920. Prior to confederation in 1850, each Swiss canton issued its own coins. The year 1896 is the key for all the minor coinage.
Recorded mintage: 28, all Specimens. This is the key date.
Specification: 2.5 g, 0.835 fine silver, .067 troy oz ASW, 18.1 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 23, Divo 152. HMZ 2-1206h.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 100: SINCONA Jubilee Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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