2 Kreuzers / ½ Batzen

Historical Context:The City of St. Gallen, an Imperial Free City within the Holy Roman Empire, issued this 2 Kreuzers / ½ Batzen coin in 1715. This era, post-Toggenburg War (1712), reinforced St. Gallen's autonomy as a sovereign Protestant city-state. Coinage was vital for local commerce and independence. The dual denomination (Kreuzers: southern Germany; Batzen: Switzerland) reflects the region's diverse monetary landscape and trade needs.

Artistry:The artistry on this billon fractional coin is functional, typical of 18th-century civic minting. While the engraver is unknown, a local die-cutter executed the design in a conservative late Baroque style. Obverse designs commonly feature St. Gallen's heraldic bear rampant or an imperial eagle. The reverse typically displays the denomination, date, and possibly a cross or civic emblem, prioritizing legibility.

Technical/Grading:Struck in billon at 1.31 grams, this 2 Kreuzers coin commonly presents technical characteristics of its alloy and purpose. High-points for grading include the bear's features, crown details, and the clarity of lettering and date. Strikes are frequently weak or uneven, especially on legends and periphery, due to low silver content and small flan. Planchet imperfections, irregular shapes, or porosity are common, with original luster rarely seen, yielding a greyish patina.