View source for Sitten (1565-1604) 1/2 batzen

[[Image:S95-4578.jpg|550px|thumb|Sincona sale 95, lot 4578]]

This specimen was lot 4578 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 900 CHF (about US$1,248 including buyer's fees). The catalog description<sup>[1]</sup> noted, <blockquote>"''SCHWEIZ Sitten, Bistum, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Halbbatzen o. J., Sitten. Familienwappen ohne Schild in einer Bogenverzierung. Rv. Hl. Theodul mit Krummstab und Schwert nach links gewandt. Sehr selten. Sehr schön.'' ([[Switzerland]], [[Switzerland, Bern|bishopric of Sitten]] (Sion), Hildebrand of Riedmatten, 1565-1604, undated half batzen Sitten mint. Obverse: family badge without shield in a polylobe; reverse: St. Theodul with sword and crozier. Very rare, Very Fine.)"</blockquote> The bishopric of Sitten (Sion in French) encompassed most of what is now the canton of Valais. The bishops involved themselves in the petty feuds and struggles of the day, going so far as to participate in the battle of Marignano (1515). They successfully resisted the Reformation but were forced to cede their secular power in 1630. Coinage continued into the eighteenth century. Sitten was ruled by five Adriens of the Riedmatten family: Adrien I (1529-45), Adrien II (1604-13), Adrien III (1640), Adrien IV (1646-72) and Adrien V (1672-1701). This type was struck undated and 1572-74, 1594-1604 and was 1/56 of a thaler.

''Record mintage:'' unknown.

''Specification:'' 1.5 g, billon, 23 mm diameter, this specimen 1.84 g. 

''Catalog reference:'' Palézieux 172, HMZ 2-1047b. 

''[[Bibliography|Sources:]]
* 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.
* <sup>[1]</sup>Richter, Jürg, ''SINCONA Auction 95: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 2 (Swiss Cantonal Coins),'' Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

''Link to:''
* [[Sitten 1545 1/2 dicken|1545 half dicken]]
* [[Sitten (1565-83) kreuzer]]
* [[Sitten (1565-1604) 1/2 dicken|(1565-1604) half dicken]]
* [[Sitten (15)72 1/2 kreuzer|(15)72 half kreuzer (vierer)]]
* [[Sitten (15)73 1/2 kreuzer|(15)73 half kreuzer (vierer)]]
* [[Sitten (15)83 kreuzer|(15)83 kreuzer]]
* [[Coins and currency dated 1565]]

[[Category:Selections from Sincona sale 92, 93, 94, 95]][[Category:Coinage of the Swiss cantons]]