20 Kreutzers

Historical Context: The 1710 20 Kreutzers was issued by the City of Fribourg, an independent patrician republic within the Old Swiss Confederacy. In the early 18th century, Fribourg, a Catholic canton, maintained its sovereign right of coinage, underscoring its economic autonomy and distinct identity. This period, preceding the Second Villmergen War, saw the city affirm its fiscal independence, with this coinage crucial for local commerce and its standing in the European monetary system.

Artistry: The engraver for Fribourg's 1710 coinage is unrecorded, typical for regional mints of the era. The coin's design follows the Baroque style prevalent in early 18th-century European numismatics. The obverse features the Fribourg city arms—a cross within a shield—often crowned and encircled by "MONETA NOVA FRIBURGENSIS." The reverse typically displays the double-headed imperial eagle, symbolizing historical ties to the Holy Roman Empire, alongside the denomination "XX" and date, executed with heraldic precision.

Technical/Grading: High-points for assessing wear on this 20 Kreutzers include the central cross on the Fribourg shield and any obverse ornamentation. On the reverse, the breast feathers and crowns of the double-headed eagle, plus the serifs of the denomination and peripheral legends, are most prone to abrasion. Strike quality varies; some examples show minor weakness in finer details or legends due to inconsistent die pressure, though central devices generally exhibit stronger definition.