Switzerland 1909-B 5 francs
This specimen was lot 40803 in Ponterio sale 168 (Philadelphia, August 2012), where it sold for $2,585. The catalog description[1] noted, "SWITZERLAND. 5 Francs, 1909-B. PCGS MS-64+ Secure Holder." It is a common date of its type (struck 1888-1916, nearly the same span as the Barber half dollar, which it strongly resembles) yet is still expensive in nice condition. It was superseded in 1922 by a five francs bearing a portrait of hero William Tell. Confederation coinage commenced in 1850; prior to that, each canton struck its own coinage. In 1931, the five francs was reduced to 15 grams, 0.835 fine, and struck in that form until 1969.
Recorded mintage: 120,000.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 34, Dav-392.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, Ponterio sale 168: The Official ANA Auction, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2012.
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