Lucerne Batzen
Switzerland
1650–1798
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.03
Based on Copper spot price ($6.07/oz) · 95.0% purity · 2.5g
Updated 6:41 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Switzerland |
| Years Minted | 1650–1798 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the coat of arms of Lucerne, including a shield with keys.
Reverse
Depicts a cross or the denomination, common for Swiss cantonal coins.
History & Notable Facts
The Lucerne Batzen's design often featured the city's coat of arms, including a pair of keys that represented its medieval gates and episcopal authority, making it a subtle nod to local pride in an otherwise utilitarian coin.
This copper piece, minted in Lucerne from 1650 through 1798, served as small change in everyday transactions across Swiss cantons. Struck on hand-hammered planchets, it reflected the era's rudimentary minting techniques, with variations in weight and edge due to inconsistent materials. No two seem exactly alike, which kept things interesting for us handlers.
We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that period are scarce, likely lost to time or fire. What survives shows these coins were pragmatic, not ornate, helping stabilize local economies amid Europe's wars.
As for myths, I've heard tales of hidden treasures involving Batzen, but that's just collectors' fancy. Most ended up in markets, not vaults.
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