Switzerland 1896-B franc

Sincona sale 81, lot 6249

This specimen was lot 6249 in Sincona sale 81 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 25,000 CHF (about US$29,963 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted, "SWITZERLAND | Confederation, 1 Franken 1896 B, Bern. Of the highest rarity. Only 28 pieces struck. Choice Proof. Partially lacquered, otherwise cabinet piece." This type was struck 1878-1967 in this alloy at the Bern mint. This is a rare date.

Recorded mintage: 28, all Specimens. This is the key date.

Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23.2 mm diameter, reeded edge; this specimen 4.96 g.

Catalog reference: Divo 151, HMZ 2-1204h, KM 24.

Source:

• 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 81, the Max Walty-Hussy Collection: Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.

Link to:

• 1894-A franc
• 1896 rappen
• 1896 2 rappen
• 1896 5 rappen
• 1896 10 rappen
• 1896 ½ franc
• 1896 2 francs
• 1896 5 francs
• 1898 franc
• Coins and currency dated 1896
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