Switzerland 1899-B franc
The first specimen was lot 32391 in Heritage sale 3067 (Long Beach, September 2018), where it sold for $3,120. The catalog description[1] noted, "Switzerland: Confederation Specimen Franc 1899-B SP68 NGC, Bern mint. By far the highest certified example of this type; indeed, no other Proof or Specimen Swiss Franc has achieved a higher grade than SP68 before 1937. This example is essentially perfect in every regard, from its sharp strike to its flawless watery fields of high reflectivity. Bright silver at first appearance, further examination shows lovely champagne tones only adding to the eye appeal of this extremely rare Specimen. Captivating in every way - a gorgeous offering. From the Feeling Good Collection." The second specimen was lot 35132 in Heritage sale 3067 (Long Beach, September 2018), where it sold for $660. The catalog description[1] noted, "Switzerland: Confederation Franc 1899-B MS67 PCGS, Bern mint. Brandishing an impressive strike, with a bright and flashy countenance that is fully complimented by a gentle waft of champagne toning on the obverse. A premium offering as this is currently the finest specimen graded by PCGS. From the Feeling Good Collection." This is a better date but not rare. Prior to confederation in 1850, each Swiss canton issued its own coins.
Recorded mintage: 400,000 plus specimens.
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23.2 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 24, HMZ-21204j.
- 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]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2018 September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction #3067, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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