Switzerland 1950-B 5 francs
This specimen was lot 23112 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $646.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "SWITZERLAND. 5 Franc, 1950-B. PCGS SP-67 Secure Holder. A true gem with only about fo[u]r tiny bag marks. Flashing prooflike specimen fields and lightly frosted devices bounce every speck of light. Some light toning at rim. Tied with three other pieces as the finest graded specimen example for this year." This type was struck at the Bern mint 1931-69. The design is still in use today tho the coin is now copper-nickel. Many of the dates from the twentieth century are very common but this one is slightly scarce. Prior to confederation in 1850, each Swiss canton issued its own coins.
Recorded mintage: 482,000 plus specimens.
Specification: 15 g, 0.835 fine silver, .402 troy oz ASW, 31.45 mm diameter, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM-40; Divo-529; HMZ-2-1200j.
- 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]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
Link to: