Lot 2090

Description

Switzerland, Confederation, gold pattern twenty francs, 1873, (21.2mm), (6.46g), by Leopold Wiener, obv. seated Helvetia holds sword point downward, federal shield at right, shattered oak stump displays a flourishing shoot at right, a circle of tiny stars appears above, rev. laurel and oak wreath surrounds two bold dots above and below 20 Fr./ 1873, no mintmark appears on this important variety, (Fr.494, Divo 18, KM Pn26). Very sharply struck with pleasing mint bloom, a few light hairlines, otherwise a brilliant proof, nearly FDC and very rare.

This is one of five designs created for the first Gold coinage of the Swiss Confederation. Wiener was a famous Belgian engraver with more than 150 coin and pattern designs to his credit at the Brussels Mint.