Bern 1622 1/2 kreuzer

Sincona sale 95, lot 4117

This specimen was lot 4117 in Sincona sale 95 (Zürich, October 2024), where it sold for 2,000 CHF (about US$2,772 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"SCHWEIZ Bern, Stadt und Kanton, Vierer 1622, Bern. Nach links schreitender Bär unter auffliegendem Adler. Rv. Einfaches Ankerkreuz mit Kreiseinfassung. Äusserst selten. Gutes sehr schön. (Switzerland, canton of Bern, vierer of 1622, Bern mint. Obverse: bear walking left under an eagle displayed. Reverse: Simple anchor cross within circular border. Extremely rare, Good Very Fine.)"

This type was struck 1620-23 and undated. The reverse legend, "+BERCHT·D·ZERIN CON", likely refers to Berthold V, last duke of Zähringen (r. 1186-1218).

Record mintage: unknown.

Specification: 0.44 g, billon, 15 mm diameter, this specimen 0.52 g.

Catalog reference: KM 10, D.T. 1153d, HMZ 2- 200j.

Sources:

• Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
• 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]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 95: The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 2 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.

Link to:

• 1618 half kreuzer (Vierer)
• 1620 batzen
• 1620 dicken, cross on reverse
• 1621 half dicken (12 kreuzer)
• 1621 dicken, eagle on reverse
• 1623 kreuzer
• (1623) dicken, cross on reverse
• 1624 half kreuzer (vierer)
• Coins and currency dated 1622