1 Batzen Small Date

Historical Context: The 1807 1 Batzen from Aargau originates from a pivotal period in Swiss history. Post-French Revolutionary Wars, Aargau became a new canton under the 1803 Act of Mediation, asserting sovereignty within the Napoleonic-era Swiss Confederation. This issue signifies Aargau's nascent fiscal autonomy, reflecting Switzerland's political restructuring under French influence. The Batzen denomination was a ubiquitous regional currency, highlighting cantonal independence and economic integration.

Artistry: The 1807 Aargau 1 Batzen reflects a utilitarian aesthetic typical of Swiss cantonal coinage. Its uncredited engraver prioritized clear legibility. The obverse prominently features the cantonal coat of arms – three wavy fesses – often encircled by the denomination. The reverse typically bears the date and an identifying legend. The "Small Date" variant refers to the numerals' size, a subtle yet significant die variation.

Technical/Grading: As a billon issue, the 1807 Aargau 1 Batzen often exhibits characteristics inherent to its alloy. High-points susceptible to wear include the raised lines of the cantonal arms and the upper serifs of legends and date numerals. Technical strike quality varies; billon planchets sometimes present irregular surfaces or lamination flaws. Details, particularly in finer elements of the arms or legend, may appear weakly struck. Unevenness in the strike is common, and corrosion is a frequent concern due to base metal content.