Neuchatel (15)99 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 3368 in Sincona sale 91 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 80 CHF (about US$106 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Neuenburg/Neuchâtel, Fürsten von Neuchâtel, Heinrich II. von Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663. Kreuzer 1599, Neuchâtel. Gutes sehr schön. (Switzerland, principality of Neuchâtel, Henry II of Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663, kreuzer of 1599, Neuchâtel mint. Good very fine.)"
While the principality of Neuchâtel was long associated with the Swiss Confederation, it was under seigneurial rule rather than oligarchic rule as in the other cantons. French aristocrats ruled until Marie de Nemours's death in 1707, then under Prussian rule 1707-1806, then part of Napoleon's empire, then Prussian again 1815-57, whereupon it was merged completely into Switzerland. The reverse motto, "OCVLI ᛭ DO[MINUS] ᛭ SVP[ER] ᛭ IVSTOS ⚜", translates as The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (Psalms 34:15). One écu = 84 kreuzer.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.0 g, billon, 19 mm diameter, this specimen 1.32 g.
Catalog reference: Froidevaux V142, D.T. 1643d, HMZ 2-688e.
- 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 91, The Konrad Bürki Collection - Part 1 (Swiss Cantonal Coins), Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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