1/2 Duplone

Historical Context: The 1796 1/2 Duplone from the City of Solothurn marks a pivotal moment in Swiss history, before the 1798 French invasion and Helvetic Republic. As a sovereign member of the Old Swiss Confederacy, Solothurn, governed by its patrician council, held independent minting rights. This gold coin represents one of the final issues under Solothurn’s Ancien Régime, symbolizing autonomy soon swept away by revolutionary forces. It underscores the canton’s monetary sovereignty amidst profound European upheaval.

Artistry: Its design reflects the late Baroque aesthetic, common in German-speaking regions, with emerging Neoclassical influences. Specific engravers are often unrecorded, but the stylistic school prioritized clear heraldry. The obverse typically features St. Ursus or its distinctive coat of arms, encircled by a Latin legend. The reverse commonly displays the denomination and date within an ornate cartouche or wreath, characteristic of the era’s detailed numismatic artistry.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold (3.82g, 21mm), this 1/2 Duplone generally exhibits robust strike quality. Key high-points for wear include St. Ursus’s head, drapery, and regalia, or the raised elements of the Solothurn shield and crown. Gold issues typically show fewer strike inconsistencies. Sharpness in fields, well-defined legends, and a strong rim indicate a superior strike, though minor planchet irregularities can occur.