20 Kreuzer

Historical Context: The 1730 20 Kreuzer was issued by the Republic of Obwalden, a half-canton of Unterwalden within the Old Swiss Confederacy. This early 18th-century period saw Obwalden, a rural, Catholic canton, maintain its traditional governmental structure, led by an elected Landammann and the sovereign Landsgemeinde. This coinage embodies the canton's collective sovereignty, reflecting its autonomy and economic self-sufficiency within the Swiss federal system, underscoring its right to mint.

Artistry: Specific engraver identities for Obwalden's coinage of this era are typically unrecorded, common for smaller cantonal mints. The stylistic school adheres to a late Baroque aesthetic, often interpreted with provincial robustness. Designs prominently feature heraldic elements: the cantonal arms (key and star) on the obverse, and often a double-headed imperial eagle or cross on the reverse, surrounded by Latin legends. Execution prioritizes clear symbolic representation over intricate artistic flourishes, reflecting Swiss cantonal numismatic tradition.

Technical/Grading: Struck in zinc, this 20 Kreuzer presents unique grading challenges. Zinc is a soft, reactive metal prone to degradation, pitting, and corrosion, making pristine examples rare. Key high-points include definition of the Obwalden shield (key wards, star points