Switzerland 1906-B 2 francs
This specimen was lot 31618 in Heritage sale 3049 (Long Beach, September 2016), where it sold for $1,880. The catalog description[1] noted, "Confederation 2 Francs 1906-B MS66 NGC, Bern mint. An improbable survivor in this premium Gem preservation with radiant luster that cartwheels the central design motifs and absolutely full definition down to the design's most intricate details. A touch of multicolored tone around the reverse wreath confirms the originality of this otherwise white example. A much better date and as the single finest graded at NGC (one example is also graded MS66 at PCGS), a coin that boasts compelling condition rarity. 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: 400,000 plus specimens.
Specification: 10 g, 0.835 fine silver, 27.4 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 21, HMZ-21202l.
- 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.
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