Sitten (15)73 1/2 kreuzer
This specimen was lot 3417 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"SCHWEIZ Wallis/Valais, Sitten, Bistum Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604. Vierer 1573, Sitten. Selten. Schön-sehr schön. (Switzerland, canton of Valais, Hildebrand I. von Riedmatten, 1565-1604, vierer of 1573, Sitten mint. Rare, Fine-Very Fine.)"
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. The Riedmatten family contributed six bishops of Sion and controlled the diocese 1529-45, 1565-1613, 1640-1701. This vierer or half kreuzer was struck 1572-75. Note the two digit date.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 0.58 g, billon, 17 mm diameter, this specimen 0.46 g.
Catalog reference: Palézieux 145, HMZ 2-1049e.
- 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, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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