1 Batzen

Historical Context: The 1830 1 Batzen coin was issued by the Canton of Fribourg during the Swiss Restoration era, preceding the liberal 'Regeneration' movement. Fribourg, a conservative Catholic canton, maintained its monetary sovereignty within the loose Confederation. This coinage reflects cantonal autonomy before the 1850 establishment of a unified federal currency. The Batzen was a widely accepted fractional denomination across various Swiss cantons, essential for daily commerce.

Artistry: The design of the 1830 Fribourg 1 Batzen, likely by an anonymous local die-cutter, exemplifies a functional, vernacular interpretation of Neoclassical principles, adapted for billon. The obverse typically features the cantonal coat of arms, often depicting two towers and a gate, symbolizing Fribourg's fortified heritage. The reverse usually presents the denomination '1 BATZEN' and the date '1830' encircled by a simple wreath, with peripheral legends like 'CANTON FREYBURG'. The aesthetic prioritizes clarity and heraldic representation.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, an alloy with low silver content, this 2.60 gram, 25 mm coin is susceptible to significant wear and environmental degradation. Key high-points for grading include the definition of the towers and gate on the obverse arms, and the crispness of the lettering and wreath details on the reverse. Due to the billon composition and relatively large flan for a low-value coin, strikes can often be weak, particularly on the peripheries. Planchet imperfections and uneven metal flow are common.