Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2023 NYINC Auction 13-16 Jan 2023
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SWITZERLAND. Switzerland - France. Bern. 40 Batzen, ND (1816-19). PCGS VG-10; Countermark: EF Details.
KM-183; HMZ-2-231D. Bifacial countermark with "40/BZ." on the obverse and arms of Bern on the reverse applied to a 1793-A France First Republic 6 Livres. A SCARCE type for this series encountered far less than the Ecu's of Louis XV and Louis XVI. The countermarks are boldly applied and nicely detailed on a well worn host. The surfaces are smooth with minor marks as would be expected from the designated grade. Lightly toned with richer coloration in the protected areas of the reverse offering a pleasant appearance.
KM-183; HMZ-2-231D. Bifacial countermark with "40/BZ." on the obverse and arms of Bern on the reverse applied to a 1793-A France First Republic 6 Livres. A SCARCE type for this series encountered far less than the Ecu's of Louis XV and Louis XVI. The countermarks are boldly applied and nicely detailed on a well worn host. The surfaces are smooth with minor marks as would be expected from the designated grade. Lightly toned with richer coloration in the protected areas of the reverse offering a pleasant appearance.
In the early days of the Restoration (1814-47) of the Ancient Regime (Federalism), much time was spent reversing the changes imposed by Napoleon Bonaparte. During this time specie was limited with few cantons issuing their own coinage. The Canton of Bern was in possession of approximately 660,000 French Ecu's and during the period of 1816-19 revalued them at 40 Batzen. According the Standard Catalog of World Coins about ninety percent of the countermarked pieces were withdrawn and melted by 1851 and it is believed that less than 5,000 pieces are extent today.
Estimate: $900 - $1200