10 Kreuzers - Charles-Paris

Historical Context: The 1668 10 Kreuzers of Neuchâtel was issued under Charles-Paris d'Orléans-Longueville, whose nominal rule (1663-1672) was largely under the regency of his mother, Anne Geneviève. This period saw Neuchâtel, a sovereign principality with unique ties to the Swiss Confederacy, maintaining its distinct monetary autonomy. The coin reflects the ducal authority of the French House of Orléans-Longueville, integrating a Germanic monetary unit (Kreuzer) within a territory geographically and politically distinct from its rulers' primary domain, highlighting its complex geopolitical position in the late 17th century.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this 10 Kreuzers aligns with provincial Baroque numismatic styles prevalent in smaller European principalities of the late 17th century. While specific engraver signatures are not documented for this particular Neuchâtel issue, the dies would have been cut locally, likely by an artisan influenced by broader French courtly aesthetics but adapted for smaller denominations. The design emphasizes legibility of the ducal titles and heraldry over intricate portraiture, common for such fractional silver issues, focusing on symbolic representation of authority.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors should assess the highest points of the ducal crown surmounting the shield on the reverse, as these are typically the first areas to exhibit wear. Similarly, the finer details within the complex quartered arms of Neuchâtel, particularly the small elements of the escutcheons and charges, often show flattening. On the obverse, the lettering and any central monogram or emblem's raised features are also critical indicators of preservation. The 2.13g weight is crucial for authentication and assessing full planchet integrity.