Switzerland 1904-B 2 francs
This specimen was lot 31617 in Heritage sale 3049 (Long Beach, September 2016), where it sold for $1,645. The catalog description[1] noted, "Confederation 2 Francs 1904-B AU58 PCGS, Bern mint. A rare date, infrequently encountered in any grade, with the present example being incredibly choice for the designation. Despite almost invisible friction on Helvetia's leg that prevents Mint State certification, the luster remains vivid and undiminished, with no major marks. Truly, a coin that would surpass the majority of MS61, MS62 and even MS63s in terms in eye-appeal. From the Redwood Collection, Part II." 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 two francs of 1866-1920. This date is a semi-key date in high grade. Prior to confederation in 1850, each Swiss canton issued its own coins.
Recorded mintage: 200,000 plus specimens.
Specification: 10 g, 0.835 fine silver, 27.4 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 21, HMZ-21202j.
- 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, 1901-2000, 47th 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 David Michaels, Heritage World Coin Auction 3049, featuring the Ohio Valley Collection, the Redwood Collection and the F.P. Briand Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2016.
Link to: